A DRIVER is facing years behind bars for a crash in which his friend was killed.

Stephen Park, 24, was yesterday warned by a judge to prepare for a substantial prison term when he returns to court on Friday to be sentenced.

Park admitted causing the death of Dale Coggan by careless driving when under the influence of alcohol when he appeared yesterday.

He was originally charged with causing death by dangerous driving, but denied it and was due to stand trial at Teesside Crown Court.

Yesterday, he entered a guilty plea to the lesser charge which was accepted by the Crown after lengthy discussions with solicitors and Mr Coggan's family.

The Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Peter Fox QC adjourned the case so probation officials can prepare a pre-sentence report on Park.

Park, a sapper with the Royal Engineers, was driving a Vauxhall Astra on the A19 southbound when it left the road and crashed near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, on July 13 last year.

Mr Coggan, from Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, later died in hospital from the injuries he sustained in the accident, which happened as the friends returned from a day out in Middlesbrough.

Park, of Moorwell Road, Scunthorpe, was given bail by Judge Fox, ahead of Friday's appearance.

The judge told him: "You have pleaded guilty to the criminal offence of causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs.

"That, I'm sure you have been advised, is invariably marked by a substantial prison sentence. You must prepare yourself for that."

Judge Fox had earlier urged the prosecution and defence, as well as Mr Coggan's grieving relatives, to try to avoid a trial for what he described as "a terrible and tragic accident".