Jordan Spalding and Shakeel Ahmed at Bradford Crown Court

Jordan Spalding, 23, pleaded guilty and his sentence will be adjourned until the conclusion of a trial for his co-accused, Shakeel Ahmed.

Ahmed was not arraigned due to legal arguments about his involvement in the incident on January 3, 2023, in which Amber Deakin died in a silver Vauxhall Vectra that flipped over and crashed on Baildon Road at 11.47pm.

Amber was a passenger in the vehicle.

Spalding, of Wharncliffe Crescent, Ravenscliffe, Bradford, appeared in the dock at Bradford Crown Court alongside Ahmed, 28, of Moresby Road, Woodside, Bradford.

Both men were released on conditional bail.

His Honour Judge Jonathan Rose set a two-day trial to begin on April 14, 2025, and adjourned sentencing on Spalding.

Judge Rose told Spalding: “You cannot be sentenced until the position of your co-accused has been finalised.

The scene of the crash (Image: Telegraph & Argus) “The fact that I am adjourning your case … should not mislead you into thinking that anything other than an immediate sentence of imprisonment – and indeed a sentence of some substance – will be imposed when you are finally dealt with by this court.”

He disqualified Spalding from driving with immediate effect.

Amber's death sent shockwaves around the community and there was a huge outpouring of grief in the days following the crash. 

At the time, Amber's mum Hayley Norton, of Windhill in Shipley, spoke of how she was close with her daughter and they were more like best friends.

Ms Norton said: “She was always larger than life, full of life, really outgoing and a right character.

“She was really caring and had a big heart.”

She added: “She was larger than life, a great daughter and a really good mum - even though she was young, she was doing amazing.

“She had loads of friends, they have been sending me messages of support and lots of funny videos of her.”

Junior, Amber’s son, was just 16 months old when she died, while the young mum also left behind three siblings – younger brothers Blake and Bailey, and older sister Holly.

Ms Norton said: “She loved enjoying life with her friends when she had time off from the baby and she also loved spending every penny she had on him.

“Her dream was to be a good mum and she loved it.”

Many other tributes were left in the days and weeks following Amber's death. 

Her sibling Holly said: “My beautiful baby sister. I love you all the world and I will never heal from this. Junior loves you very much and will miss his mummy dearly.”

Demi Ellis said: “Rip can’t believe you're gone such an amazing mummy you will be forever missed rest in the best bed up there beautiful.”

Amber Deakin (Image: UGC)

Kayleigh Lund said: “Rest in peace beautiful girl, was only with you on New Year’s Eve. You was the light of the party, you are loved & missed by so many.”

Darcy Marie said: “RIP Amber, we grew up together and shared loads of memories together, you will never be forgotten, I love you so much. I’m going to miss you forever, taken away from us so soon. You was such a lovely girl with a heart of gold, my heart goes out to you, Junior, and your family.”

Gemma Duffy said: “Amber you were such a bright, beautiful funny young girl. Spread your wings and fly high. Lots of love.”

Chanelle Boot said: “Rip Amber, you was so loved by everyone. I promise Jnr [Junior] will be looked after, go rest with the angels now.”

Kaitlan Simpson said: “Rip beautiful girl. Was only with you the other day, you will be loved and missed daily.”

Isla Whitaker said: “Rip Amber so so sad you’ve left your beautiful little boy behind what an amazing mother you was.”

Samantha Dibb said: “RIP Amber you was a lovely lass, my heart goes out to all your family/friends and especially your little boy. Glad I got the privilege to meet you. Sleep tight I know you will be missed by many.”

Angela Thomson said: “Our poor niece Amber, gone too soon, we will look after your little angel Junior. Love you lots.”