11.30pm, Mr McClaren gave him and Andrew Scoble a lift home, where Scott suggested the three plus two of Mr McClaren's friends go for a drive in Dalby Forest. They set off in Scott's Golf Gti.

Scott maintains Mr McClaren drove the Golf until shortly before the crash, but others who were in the car dispute this.

Mr Dallas said that in Dalby Forest, campers heard the car "going for it". The car's revs were high and Scott was giving a running commentary in "rally style" of the speed and gears he was using.

At a blind zig-zag bend at about midnight, Scott lost control and the car plummeted off the road glancing off one tree before hitting a second with the rear nearside. Mr Scoble died shortly afterwards. The other four received minor injuries.

A blood test revealed Scott was still over the alcohol limit five hours after the crash.

When he told police Mr McClaren was the driver, they arrested the 18-year-old.

But later the same day, Scott finally came clean and the teenager was released.

For Scott, David Bradshaw said he bitterly regretted what he had done. He was burdened by his guilt over his friend's death.