Crash driver admits death charges

The case was heard at the High Court in Edinburgh

A teenager caused the deaths of two of his friends when he lost control of his new BMW in West Lothian, a court has heard.

Sean Flynn, 18, had not even passed his driving test when the car - driven at speeds up to 80 miles per hour in a 30mph zone - hit a lamp post.

His 18-year-old friends, Paul Ross and Christopher Magee, died instantly.

At the High Court in Edinburgh, Flynn admitted causing the deaths by driving dangerously. He will be sentenced at a later date.

Sean Flynn: "Grossly irresponsible"

Flynn, of Dean Path in Edinburgh, was 17 at the time of the crash in January last year.

He had bought the powerful BMW car earlier that day, despite not having a driving licence.

His friends died when the car crashed as Flynn chased another vehicle.

Another friend, Mario Gagliardini, survived the crash after the BMW mounted the pavement, hit a lamp-post, overturned and caught fire.

Advocate depute John Beckett said that it had become plain to Mr Gagliardini from the way Flynn was driving that he was "determined to show off his new car".

Tragic case

"According to Mr Gagliardini he was looking for someone to race," said the advocate depute.

As Flynn chased a Ford Escort, his two friends in the back of the car shouted for him to slow down, Mr Beckett said.

The judge, Lord Nimmo Smith, was shown photographs of the crash scene and said: "It is remarkable that anybody came out of it alive."

Mr Beckett said: "The death of Paul Ross and Christopher Magee was caused by the dangerous and grossly irresponsible driving of the accused who did not have a driving licence."

Defence counsel Jamie Gilchrist said: "It is a desperately tragic case for all involved."

Lord Nimmo Smith agreed to defer sentence for background reports.

Flynn's mother Louise Tiffney: "Missing"

Police have said they are concerned for the safety of Flynn's mother, who has been missing from her home since Monday.

Louise Tiffney, 43, was last seen about midnight on Monday and has failed to contact family or friends all week.

Officers said it was completely out of character for Ms Tiffney to leave her home without warning and without money or belongings.

Ms Tiffney is described as white, of medium height and slim build with dyed plum-coloured hair.