A garage boss fought back tears as he recalled how a trainee was engulfed in flames after an explosion.

Glen Hawkins told a jury yesterday he still could not get what happened to Lewis Murphy out of his head.

The 18-year-old apprentice mechanic suffered 60 per cent burns in the blast at the Anchor Garage, Peacehaven, and died four days later.

It is alleged Hawkins had helped Lewis tip a mix of diesel and petrol drained from a car into a waste oil tank on the forecourt.

Hove Crown Court heard the most likely cause of the explosion was petrol fumes igniting after they were sucked into a boiler flu.

Hawkins, 34, denied he had helped Lewis to empty the fuel into the tank.

He said he was on the garage forecourt checking cars when he smelt petrol.

Fighting back tears he said: "Seconds later there was an explosion. I ran and grabbed Lewis and got him to roll on the floor.

"He was on fire completely and he ran off. The back of my legs and clothes were on fire."

Hawkins told the court he was wondering what had happened and wanted to get out but was not concerned about himself.

He said: "I was more concerned about Lewis because he was much worse than I was.

"I ran after Lewis. My clothes were on fire and I felt pain in my legs.

"I remember he was very badly burned. He was still conscious and spoke to me."

The court heard that Hawkins needed skin grafts for his burns and now takes anti-depressants and sleeping tablets.

Neil Mercer, defending, asked Hawkins what his feelings were when he was later told that Lewis had died from his injuries.

He said: "I felt guilty. I wish I could have done more to help him."

Glen Hawkins, of Chatsworth Park, Telscombe Cliffs, denies manslaughter and failing to take reasonable care to ensure the safety of himself and staff at the garage.

Howard Hawkins, of The Highway, Newhaven, denies failing to ensure the health and safety of his employees.

The trial continues.