AN 18 year-old Lancaster student who caused the death of a friend by driving dangerously has walked free from court.

Preston Crown Court was told that the family of victim Andrew James Mullineaux had written a letter expressing a view they did not want Stephen Browitt to receive a custodial sentence.

Mr Mullineaux was a back seat passenger in a car which lost control after travelling at excessive speeds over a lump on a country road.

An air ambulance was called to the scene of the accident on Abbeystead Lane, Abbeystead, but Mr Mullineaux was pronounced dead by paramedics. He sustained serious injuries including a fractured skull.

Browitt, 18, of Cleveleys Avenue, Lancaster, pleaded guilty to causing death by driving a Citreon car dangerously on May 10 last year. He was sentenced to 200 hours community service and was disqualified from driving for three years. He will also have to take another driving test.

Mr James Rae, prosecuting, told the court Browitt had four passengers in his car - Mr Mullineaux, 18, Jonathan Smith, Nicholas Maidment and Michael Hicks.

All were pupils at Ripley St Thomas School studying for their A levels.

The group had arranged to go to Clitheroe during two free periods. The car belonged to the defendant's mother. A lack of petrol delayed the start of the trip so it was decided to go for a drive in the country and they headed for the Trough of Bowland. They went on Abbeystead Lane and, over a hump in the road, some of the wheels left the road.

The car landed heavily causing exhilaration to the youths in the car. A repeat trip was made but Browitt lost control of the three door car. He skidded to the right, hit a hedge and the car turned over.

Mr Hicks and Mr Smith ran for help whilst Browitt tended to Mr Mullineaux.

He said at the scene: "It's my fault. I've killed him."

Mr Rae said Mr Mullineaux was pronounced dead at the scene. He had met his injuries when the back door had been ripped off.

Mr Richard Tyrell, defending, said Browitt had pleaded guilty to a serious offence that had had appalling consequences.

Browitt had been badly affected by the whole situation and there was genuine remorse.

"There's not a day goes by when he does not think about this," said Mr Tyrell.

The parents of Mr Mullineaux had expressed a view they did not want Browitt to go to custody.

Judge Peter Smith told Browitt: "It was a stupid piece of driving especially for an inexperienced driver." He said he was just able to take an exceptional course and not send him to custody.