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

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

The Nissan worker from Mickle Hill Road, Blackhall, Co Durham, was taken to Hartlepool General Hospital but died from multiple injuries sustained in the crash on August 24. 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 any charges in connection with the death and prosecutors say he bears 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 and a short period of time.

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

He added: "He is a thoroughly decent, hard working man."

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

The judge told him: "At the outset 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 and indeed the prosecution were at pains to point that out.

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

Judge Lancaster added: "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."