An apprentice mechanic died after he was engulfed in flames in an explosion at a garage, a court heard.

Lewis Murphy and his boss Glen Hawkins were both badly burned in the blaze at the Anchor Garage, Peacehaven.

The explosion happened after the two men allegedly emptied petrol into a waste oil disposal tank on February 19 last year.

Despite the efforts of workmates and medics, the 18-year-old trainee died four days later from his injuries, Hove Crown Court heard.

Taya Adebayo, prosecuting, said the garage is owned by Howard Hawkins, 71, and managed by his son Glen,34.

A Peugeot diesel car was brought in to have its tank emptied after it was wrongly filled with petrol.

Mr Adebayo said the petrol was stored overnight in plastic containers and a black plastic dustbin which was left uncovered in the workshop.

He said the following day Glen Hawkins and Mr Murphy poured the petrol from the dustbin into a waste oil collection tank on the garage forecourt.

Mr Adebayo said: "The tank was next to a flue pipe outlet from a gas boiler which was switched on at the time.

"Within seconds of the two men pouring this petrol into the tank there was an explosion, setting the garage and a number of cars on the forecourt on fire.

"Lewis Murphy was engulfed in flames from head to toe and Glen Hawkins' lower body was on fire.

"Despite the efforts of those at the scene and the emergency services Lewis Murphy tragically died four days later as a result of severe burn injuries.

"The prosecution says that Glen Hawkins unlawfully killed Lewis Murphy, a young apprentice who was very much his responsibility. He owed him a duty of care to look after him." Mr Adebayo told the court the business had just a "nodding acquaintance" with the health and safety regulations.

He said as owner of the garage Howard Hawkins had an obligation to register it with the Health and Safety Executive, but never had.

There were no formal procedures for the handling, use and storage of highly inflammable liquids including petrol and none for the draining of wrongly-fuelled cars.

He added: "Howard Hawkins was responsible for the gas boiler with the flue next to the waste oil tank being installed. He was told by the engineer who installed it that the flue pipe was too close to the tank and that he should have it moved."

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 employees.

The trial continues.