A DRIVER has admitted causing the death of a friend who was a passenger in his sports car when it crashed into a lamppost.

Lee Taylor, 19, was in 22-year-old Robert Garrod's MG ZT Rover when he lost control at a roundabout on the A195 Northumberland Way, Washington.

Mr Taylor, of Conyers Avenue, Chester-le-Street, died instantly despite efforts by paramedics to cut him free at the scene of the crash, which happened on September 1 last year.

Garrod, of Mitford Close, Oxclose, admitted causing Mr Taylor's death by dangerous driving, during a short hearing at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday.

Defence barrister Glen Gatland told the court how the basis of Garrod's plea was that he was not travelling in excess of the national 60mph speed limit when the accident happened and that his view of the roundabout may have been obstructed by the Vauxhall Cavalier in front, driven by Ryan Watson.

Watson, 21, of Farrier Close, Washington, admitted careless driving in relation to the incident.

Witnesses said the two cars were travelling so close together before the crash that the sports car looked "as if it was being towed".

Garrod's guilty plea was also on the basis that the pair were not racing when the crash happened.

Mr Gatland asked for a psychiatric report to be prepared on Garrod before he is sentenced. He said: "He has obviously been severely effected as a result of the death of his friend."

Mr Gatland said Garrod's partner was due to have their first child at the end of next month and asked for him to be sentenced after that date.

Judge David Hodson adjourned sentence until the week of October 4.

He also adjourned Watson's sentence until that date.