A DRUNKEN teenager, who crashed the car he had stolen and killed the front-seat passenger, laughed and joked at the scene of smash.

Daryl Kirby, who was 16 at the time, killed Sam Woodward, 14, when he drove down a bus lane at the junction of Astmoor Road to avoid a police car.

He was sentenced to nearly five years custody.

The 17-year-old, of Eversley in Widnes, was driving a Ford Orion stolen from a car park when he crashed into an oncoming Ford Focus near to the Astmoor Industrial Estate in Runcorn.

The Focus was travelling between 25-31mph on September 25 last year and the court heard how Kirby may have drunk up to 10 cans of strong lager before speeding through a red light.

The car uprooted a road lamp and landed on its side after the collision.

Kirby crawled from the wreckage with a broken leg, but Sam died at the scene with horrific neck injuries.

Matthew Dunford, prosecuting, said: 'The defendant was seen laughing at the scene. His breath smelled of drink.'

Judge David Hale sentenced Kirby to four years and eight months at Warrington Crown Court, after he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle taking.

Mr Dunford said: 'The defendant had bought 12 cans of lager that evening. Later, friends of his had come round, including Sam Woodward. They had been enjoying themselves, chatting and listening to music until about 12.30am.

The court heard how Kirby expressed remorse after the accident.

Mr Justice Hale said: 'You thought nothing of stealing cars. You were not in control but you need to learn control.

'If you had not pleaded guilty, you would have been sentenced to seven years. But I will give you credit for the guilty plea and Sam was your friend.'