A TEENAGE driver who smashed into a parked car seriously injuring his school friend has been spared an immediate custodial sentence that would have “shattered his dreams” of a successful career.

Zaif Ali, 18, overturned his father’s red VW Golf in the high-speed crash on Thornaby Drive at around 3.30am on March 11, Bradford Crown Court heard.

One of his three friends in the vehicle was found collapsed in the road with a subdural haemorrhage that was operated on at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Ali, of Turner Avenue, Lidget Green, Bradford, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by driving dangerously. He also admitted being over the alcohol limit and having no full licence or insurance to drive the vehicle.

Prosecutor Caroline Abraham said Ali came home in a taxi after a night out. He then took his father’s car to give his friends a lift. He drove at speed along Thornaby Drive, losing control of the car and hitting a parked Skoda and a lampost.

The Golf ended up on its roof and Ali, thinking his passengers were uninjured, went home to tell his father.

Miss Abraham said Ali’s friend quickly became ill and was taken to hospital for a CT scan that showed he had suffered a bleed on the brain. He was discharged from hospital on May 18 and had made a good recovery.

Nigel Jamieson, Ali’s barrister, said he was 17 at the time.

Character references spoke of an “honest, caring and thoughtful” young man.

The judge, Recorder Tahir Khan QC, said Ali lost control of the car at speed while “moderately” under the influence of alcohol. The court heard he had 48 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, the legal limit being 35.

Recorder Khan said he was expected to achieve personal and professional success.

“These dreams would be shattered if you were sent into custody,” Recorder Khan said.

Ali was sentenced to two years’ detention in a young offender institution, suspended for two years, and banned from driving for two years and until he takes an extended test. He must undergo a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement with the probation service and do 180 hours of unpaid work.