A driver who left his passenger paralysed from the waist down after failing to take a bend and colliding with a trailer has entered a guilty plea.

Maxwell Haworth was the driver of the car in the incident on Stoneholme Road, Crawshawbooth, on May 12 last year.

Victim Theo Owen, who was celebrating his 21st birthday, was in the car with Haworth and another man.

Graeme Tindall, prosecuting at a previous hearing at Blackburn Magistrates' Court, said they been drinking in a nearby pub.

“When they left they went to get in another vehicle but a member of staff stopped them,” said Mr Tindall.

“They then got in another car which was driven by the defendant.”

Mr Tindall said data recovered from the car showed it had been travelling at 59mph in a 30mph zone before crashing on the bend.

“Mr Owen is now paralysed from the waist down for life", said Mr Tindall.

After the devastating crash, Theo's friends launched a fundraiser which amassed £5,160 to support him and his family.

Haworth, 22, of Swinshaw Coach House, Goodshaw Lane, Loveclough, appeared in court charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Mark Williams, defending, said his client wanted him to make it clear that although he had not entered a plea he accepted responsibility.

“He does not dispute his responsibility for the causation of the injury,” said Mr Williams.

“The issue the defence have is the degree to which his driving fell below the required standard. Was it dangerous or was it due care?”

Haworth appeared at Burnley Crown Court last Friday, April 19 for a pre-trial preparation hearing.

He pleaded guilty and will next appear in court for his sentencing on Monday, June 24.