A bereaved family are outraged a "boy racer" has walked from court with a fine after he was cleared of killing their son.

Adam Clayton, 21, of Pound Hill, Crawley, was acquitted of causing death by dangerous driving and instead convicted of careless driving following the crash last year.

Eric Raine, 20, was a passenger in a Vauxhall Astra driven by Clayton, which spun out of control on a country lane and collided with an oncoming vehicle. Eric was killed in the impact.

There were emotional scenes at Lewes Crown Court after the verdict was returned.

Eric's family, who have joined Road Safety charity, Roadpeace, said they were "devastated" by the jury's decision.

The dead man's father, Peter Raine, 51, said: "Somebody has killed someone and he has got a few points and a fine. It is ridiculous.

"A car is a lethal weapon, it is like a gun. I cannot believe the jury's decision."

Eric's sister, Vicky, added: "We would pay millions, we would pay everything for the rest of our lives, to have him back but all Clayton got was a fine."

She said young people should not be allowed behind the wheel of powerful cars.

Eric Raine and Clayton were friends who lived next door to each other in Pound Hill, Crawley, but since the tragic accident on June 4 last year, the family has moved away from the area.

Mr Raine said: "I never want to see Adam Clayton again, our son has died for nothing."

During the trial, the court heard Clayton, described as a "boy racer", had taken a hired Vauxhall Astra out for a spin in the countryside late at night.

He reached the speed of 85mph along country lanes before turning into the B2110.

He then lost control on a bend and as the car spun out of control it was hit broadside by an oncoming vehicle.

After a three-day trial, the jury acquitted Clayton of causing death by dangerous driving.

However, there was confusion in the courtroom as the foreman delivered a verdict of death by careless driving, a non-existent charge.

After clarification, Clayton was convicted of simple careless driving.

He admitted driving without insurance.

He was fined a total of £600, banned for 18 months and had 12 points put on his licence.

The family stood by angrily as Clayton walked free from court.

Earlier, Judge Richard Hayward told Clayton: "As careless driving goes, this is about as bad as it can possibly get.

"You have a grossly in-flated view of your own driving skills. You drove much too fast. You reached speeds of 85mph.

"You went into a bend so fast you couldn't keep the car on the road and collided with a car coming the other way.

"Eric Raine was killed because of your stupidity and your attitude that cars are toys and the roads are a playground.

"This was appalling driving."