A NORTH Wales schoolboy is facing the prospect of spending up to four years in a Cyprus jail.

James Dudley was last night behind bars after he admitted causing the death of his girlfriend in a jetski crash.

The 16-year-old, from Victoria Park, Colwyn Bay, was aboard a waterbike which struck a jetski being ridden by Hannah Sutton in the resort of Pissouri l ast Tuesday.

James appeared before Limassol District Court yesterday where he pleaded guilty to causing death through want of precaution, through recklessness or negligence.

He was remanded in custody and will appear at court again for sentencing this morning.

James, a fellow pupil of 16-year-old Hannah's at Rydal Penrhos school, in Colwyn Bay, could face up to four years behind bars and a heavy fine.

But his family were desperately hoping he will be free to attend a memorial service for Hannah being held in Cyprus this afternoon.

Speaking from Cyprus, James' uncle Rhys Williams said last night: "It was a difficult hearing because all the circumstances of the accident were recounted.

"When he was remanded in custody, it was a surprise to us all.

"But we saw him and he was remarkably resilient considering what he is going through.

"The thought of Hannah is what is helping him through it.

"And what can't be underestimated is the help he is getting from Hannah's family."

Mr Williams, who accompanied James' mother Janette to court, said the youngster was "shocked" when the judge decided he should be held in cells.

"James was shocked by that and clearly upset. He wants to be here with Hannah's family. He has now got to spend 24 hours by himself in a cell."

He added: "When a mother sees her son suffering, she suffers maybe many times over.

"It was all a bit of a shock. We were not expecting it," he added..

Hannah's parents, Lynne and Stephen, said they do not blame James for their daughter's tragic death.

They were angry after the teenager was arrested and immediately locked up by police last week.

Hannah had just finished her GCSEs and was planning to take A-levels at St John's Middle School in Episkopi, Cyprus, where her mum is a teacher.

The school caters for children of British servicemen and women based on the island.

Mr Sutton flew out to the island from his home near Alderley Edge, Cheshire, with their two sons William, 11, and 14-year-old Daniel.

James was due to be sentenced at about 7.30am British time.

His dad Paul said last night: "We are all hoping and praying that things will go our way.

"It is a waiting game for us now. Our thoughts are with James and his mother.

"We're pleased they have been able to see each other while he has been in custody."

James also pleaded guilty to two minor charges relating to illegally driving a jet-ski without a licence or completing the required official forms.

James and Hannah were allowed to hire the jet-skis despite being under the legal rental age of 18.

Two Cypriot men who run the jetski firm both faced charges in connection with the tragedy.

They pleaded not guilty and were freed to await trial in October.

James hopes to be home in time for Hannah's funeral, due to held in Dunham Massey, Cheshire, on Friday. James Dudley and his mother Janette outside court in Limassol yesterday where he pleaded guilty over the death of his girlfriend Hannah Sutton (inset left)