A driver of a car carrying five men flipped over and crashed into railings, in Norwich city centre, after he lost control while overtaking at almost twice the legal speed limit, a court heard.

The crash, which happened on Ber Street, at 5.45 in the morning, in June last year, left driver Samuel Craske, 21, with the most serious injuries and he spent five days in intensive care. But his passengers in the car had a miracle escape suffering only minor injuries, Norwich Crown Court was told.

The crash also caused delays as it closed the road for hours during the rush hour after the blue MG, said to be the 'pride and joy' of Craske, crashed after overtaking a Renault car.

Craske, who had been out the previous night celebrating his birthday, suffered a broken collar bone and broke two vertebras and can remember very little about the accident.

Martin Ivory, prosecuting, said that Craske was breathalysed, but was not over the legal drink drive limit.

He said that a witness saw Craske overtaking a Renault car, and then heard a screech of tyres. He said the estimated speed of the car was more than 52mph but less than 64mph, in a 30mph zone.

He said that Craske, who has cerebral palsy, had been out celebrating his birthday and had spent the night at a girl's house, but then had been asked to give a lift to the four men.

'There was injury, but surprisingly not as serious as one might have thought.'

He said the passengers in the car did not want to make any victim statements to police.

Craske, of Harmer Road, Norwich, admitted dangerous driving on June 21, last year.

Jonathan Goodman for Craske, said that he was extremely impressionable and had been forced to give the men a lift.

Mr Goodman said that Craske had been woken up that morning and asked to give the men the men a lift and was scared to refuse,

He said that Craske, who was of previous good character, was the most badly injured.

'He has little memory of that event.'

His stepfather also gave character evidence to the court to say how Craske was a hard working young man, but was easily influenced.

He said that normally he was a very safe driver.

Judge Peter Jacobs imposed an 18 month driving ban and an eight month jail sentence suspended for 12 months. He also gave him a £600 fine with £400 costs.

He told him: 'It was a bad piece of driving.'

Judge Jacobs also ordered him to take an extended driving test before he gets back behind the wheel.