Orphans sue over death crash

Four children orphaned in a road accident involving a learner driver are seeking £300,000 compensation.

Wayne Nicholls, 37, a guitarist with rock 'n' roll band The Rapiers, and his wife Jacqueline, 33, died when their bike collided with a Ford Fiesta driven by a 17-year-old.

They had been going to a bookkeeping course at Southgate College when the car turned right into their path in Winchmore Hill in June 2005.

Mr Nicholls, 38, died at the scene. His wife, riding pillion, died later the same day. Monique Derazza, who was driving the L-plated, dual-controlled vehicle, and instructor Barry Roberts, suffered minor injuries.

No arrests were made following the accident at the junction of Old Park Ridings and Park Drive.

The Nicholls children - Wayne aged 15, Samantha aged 9, Hannah aged 6 and Scott aged 3 at the time were taken in by aunt and uncle Lorna and Robert Nicholls.

The children are now suing Ms Derazza and her instructor, claiming their negligence led directly to the death of their parents.

Mr Nicholls was meant to be playing with the Rapiers, who are based in Edmonton, the day he was killed. Bandmates helped raise money for the orphans at a benefit gig.