A MAN has admitted causing the deaths of two girls in a car crash while under the influence of drugs.

Lily Butterfield-Godwin and Abbey Rogers, both 19 and from the New Forest, died after the car they were travelling in crashed into a wall in Gosport Lane, Lyndhurst, on December 13 last year.

At Bournemouth Crown Court today the driver of the Mazda RX8, James Battrick, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by careless driving while unfit through drink or drugs, and one count of possession of cannabis.

The 21-year-old, of Old Romsey Road, Cadnam, appeared in court wearing a medical brace on his leg.

Judge John Harrow adjourned the case for a pre-sentencing report to be prepared. Battrick was released on unconditional bail to return to court on September 11 for sentencing.

He was also handed an interim disqualification from driving until a formal ban period is determined.

Lily and Abbey died at the scene of the crash, which happened just after midnight.

They were being given a lift home after a night out at The Stag Hotel in Lyndhurst, where Lily worked part-time as a barmaid.

Bournemouth Echo:

Abbey Rogers

Bournemouth Echo:

Lily Butterfield-Godwin

Lily was also a nanny at Teddies Nursery, and Abbey worked as a stylist at The Velvet Rooms in Lymington.

The girls, who shared a birthday, were both former pupils of Hounsdown School in Totton.

Their deaths sent shockwaves through the community and more than 500 people turned out for a memorial service to remember and celebrate the lives of the girls at the Bolton’s Bench beauty spot, a favourite meeting place of the pair.

Mourners cried and hugged each other for support as they listened to music, poetry and read tributes to the two girls.

People living near the crash scene in Gosport Lane – part of the village’s one-way system – told how they heard “a small explosion” as the car hit the wall.

Friends flocked to the road and turned the accident site into a shrine by leaving a mountain of floral tributes.

They also took to social media to express their shock and grief, with many describing the girls as “angels”.

Prayers for the pair were also said at St Michael and All Angels Church in Lyndhurst.