'Racer' facing jail over death

A County Durham driving instructor is facing jail after racing another car which crashed killing a passenger.

Leslie Clark, 54, died after the car he was travelling in hit a tree and disintegrated into four parts.

Michael Lopez, 28, of Sycamore Road, Fishburn, was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday.

The other driver, David Matthews, 35, of Middle Lane, Wolviston, has already pleaded guilty to the same offence.

'Ludicrous' speed

Both men have been remanded in custody and will be sentenced in six weeks' time.

The accident happened on the A177 Stockton Road at Sedgefield.

The court heard how Lopez was at the wheel of an Audi Quattro driving at 113mph which overtook a Lexus approaching a bend on a dual carriageway.

His car clipped the Lexus which then crashed killing Mr Clark, from Acklam, Middlesbrough.

The jury heard how Lopez then lost control of his vehicle which left the road. He escaped unhurt.

Prosecutor Shaun Dodds said: "The effect of the touching of the cars at such a ludicrous speed was devastating."

Remanding Lopez, Judge Tony Briggs, said: "You must understand that all sentencing options including custody remain open, and these are matters of great seriousness."