Detention for teen death driver

The court heard the youngster had a deprived upbringing

A 17-year-old boy has been sent to a detention centre for two years for causing the death of his best friend in a car crash in Cumbria.

He has also been banned from driving for four years.

The teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was 16 and under the influence of cannabis when the car he was driving crashed into a tanker between Carlisle and Kirkbampton.

Four of his friends were passengers and one of them, 14-year-old Rodney Hanlon, was killed. Two others, including the driver, were seriously injured.

He admitted causing Rodney Hanlon's death by careless driving while unfit through drugs.

'No option'

Carlisle Crown Court heard the teenager had never driven a car before but was persuaded to get behind the wheel by his friends.

The youths had been smoking cannabis in a church car park.

The judge was given details of what he called the boy's "exceedingly difficult and deprived childhood".

But he said he had no option but to impose a two year detention and training order.