A TEENAGER who had just passed his driving test panicked and drove off after his car hit a youth trying to cross a busy main road.

Paul Powell, a car valet, aged 19, of Wricklemarsh Road, Blackheath, suffered catastrophic head injuries in the accident in Shooters Hill Road, Southwark Coroner’s Court heard.

Daniel Crisp, aged 18, of Okehampton Crescent, Welling told the court after he hit Mr Powell on November 29 last year, he was shaking and crying but carried on driving in panic.

Mr Powell was pronounced dead on arrival at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich.

His best friend, Sam Turner, said they were with a group of friends who had left the Hungry Horse pub, in Shooters Hill Road, at around 11.15pm.

They had crossed the road to a bus stop to see a girl onto a bus. Mr Powell was hit by the car, which came “out of nowhere” according to Mr Turner, as they tried to cross back.

Another friend, David French, estimated the car’s speed at around 70mph.

Charlotte Day, of Melrose Avenue, Crayford, was the front passenger in Crisp’s silver Citroen and said he was “scared and in shock,” after the smash and insisted on going home.

She went to the police the day after the accident, although Crisp had asked her not to.

Two days after the accident Crisp also went to Bexleyheath police station where he said he had drunk only one bottle of beer and estimated his speed at between 20 and 25mph.

He told the inquest he had indicated to overtake the bus. He said: “As the front of the car got level with the bus, two people came running out.

“One stayed behind the bus, the other hit the corner (of the car) came across the bonnet and rolled off on the other side.” He said he panicked and knew he should have stopped.

Coroner Selena Lynch recorded a verdict of accidental death, adding: “I am sure Mr Crisp realises how much worse he has made it for himself and the family.” Crisp now faces charges of dangerous driving, careless driving and failing to stop after an accident.