A MOTORCYCLIST whose friend died when he lost control during a high-speed race was spared jail yesterday.

Paul Bedding, 34, was racing Andrew Reed, 24, along the A19 on August 24 when Mr Reed crashed his 750cc Suzuki into a lamppost.

The Nissan worker, from Mickle Hill Road, Blackhall, County Durham, was taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool, but died from multiple injuries.

Bedding, of Clarence Street, Seaham, denied dangerous driving, but was found guilty by a jury at Durham Crown Court last month. He did not face charges in connection with the death, and prosecutors said he bore no responsibility for the tragedy.

During the sentencing hearing at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday, defence barrister Mark Styles said Bedding was only guilty of dangerous driving over a short distance.

Mr Styles told the court that Bedding was an experienced rider whose behaviour that day was out of character.

Judge Tony Lancaster sentenced Bedding to a 200-hour community punishment order and banned him from driving for two years.

He said: "I think it is important I should make clear that although the man riding with you, Andrew Reed, lost his life as a result of the riding which both of you showed on that day, the prosecution do not suggest, nor did the evidence suggest, you were responsible for causing his death.

"His death, however, graphically illustrates the gravity of the risk you both took that day by riding in the way which you did.

"If you had caused Mr Reed's death, you would have gone to prison for a number of years, but nobody suggests you were the cause of his death."