A young driver who caused her teenage friend's death in a late-night crash has avoided going to prison.

Lisa Wilson, 21, was at the wheel of a red Citroen when it clipped a kerb and careered off the road, killing 17-year-old Danny Lee.

An air ambulance was called but the teenager, who lived in Canterbury, died at the scene.

Wilson, of Stone Cross Road, Ashford, admitted causing death by careless driving and was given an eight-month jail sentence, suspended for two years.

Canterbury Crown Court heard how she had only been driving for a year before the crash in October last year.

Prosecutor Ed Fowler told how her car clipped a kerb as she took a corner along Pean Hill in Whitstable, causing a tyre blow-out.

She lost control of the vehicle and Danny was thrown through the rear windscreen, sustaining fatal injuries.

Judge Adele Williams told Wilson: "Danny had his whole life ahead of him and his family have been gracious and compassionate in their grief.

"They recognise you are also grieving for the loss of your close friend."

In deciding not to send her immediately to prison, the judge added: "The family also recognise, as do I, that you did not set off that day intending to kill anyone.

"And nothing I can say, nor any sentence I pass, can in any way diminish their anguish, loss and grief. It could not be possible do so.

"I also recognise you will have to live the rest of your life with the fact you were driving when Danny was sadly killed."

Wilson – who was described as a hard-working, conscientious and decent young woman - is now receiving counselling after being unable to return to full-time work since the crash.

As part of her punishment, she was also given an electronic curfew order requiring her to remain at her home between 9pm and 7am for the next three months.

After the hearing, the judge commended both families for showing "great dignity" during the proceedings.

Danny's sisters, Julie-Anne and Kerry, said after his death: "Our sweet baby brother Danny was taken from us suddenly.

"We will miss him more than words can say. He was a cheeky loveable brother who shone from the inside out.

"He had his whole life ahead of him. He was a wonderful uncle. We will miss him greatly, but he will never be forgotten and stay in our hearts forever."