A MAN has been cleared of causing the death of his friend by careless driving.

Joel Jones, of Skenfrith, denied causing the death of Jack McKenzie after the Vauxhall Corsa he was driving along the B4348 near Peterchurch collided with a baler being towed by a tractor travelling in the opposite direction on the evening of September 3, 2010.

A Fiat Punto following the Corsa drove past the tractor before the driver was confronted by a cloud of dust and hit the car.

Jack McKenzie, Mr Jones’ best friend and passenger, was sadly killed during the collision.

Both were aged 18 at the time.

Hereford Crown Court heard this week that the headlights of the tractor were very bright and that the baler was slightly wider that the tractor.

A jury has today cleared Mr Jones of his friend’s death after returning a verdict of not guilty.