Woman driver, 22, killed her boyfriend in car crash after they rowed over radio volume and she lost control while trying to turn stereo down

Laura Hauerslev (right) killed her boyfriend Alec Pearn (left) in a car crash following an argument over the volume on her car radio

A 22-year-old driver killed her boyfriend in a car crash following a 'silly' argument over the volume on her car radio.
Laura Hauerslev had a headache and tried to turn down the volume but lost control of her car before it crashed into a tree, killing 24-year-old Alec Pearn.
A judge today heard that the victim’s family did not want her sent to jail after she admitted causing death by careless driving.
Exeter Crown Court heard that Hauerslev was angry with her boyfriend because he wouldn’t get up off a sofa and kept her waiting for 15 minutes in her car before they travelled to her family home in Broadwoodwidger, Devon.
The night before the couple had a late night and were not on the best of terms the next day.
Prosecutor Peter Coombe said they headed off one Sunday afternoon last September.
He said: 'When they moved off they were not speaking. He was mucking about with the radio. She had a headache coming on.'
He said the couple turned the volume of the radio up and down as they had a row about which station to listen to.
But Hauerslev took her eyes off the old A30 road and hit a kerb, causing the car to swerve and snake as she lost control of the green Citroen Saxo.
Mr Pearn, who was not wearing his seat belt, tried to grab the steering wheel but Mr Coombe said ‘it was too late’ and the car rolled and struck the tree with its roof and bonnet.
The court heard Hauerslev and Mr Pearn were very tired after their night out in Cornwall.
The defendant appeared to be asleep with her head in her hands before they set off on their trip, the victim’s mother Mandy said.

She added that Hauerslev was annoyed at being kept waiting by her boyfriend.
Motorist Michael Cazaly was praised by the judge for bravely going to the aid of the crash victims.
He ended up soaked in fuel and put his own safety in danger by going under the wrecked car to get the defendant out and to try and help Mr Pearn.

Hauerslev pleaded guilty at Exeter Crown Court (pictured) to causing death by careless driving and was given a 12 month community order with supervision, ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work and banned from driving for two years

Mr Coombe said the couple had argued about 'a most silly thing' and she took her eyes off the road.
Mr Pearn died from multiple injuries in the accident which happened as she drove at 70mph on a 60mph road near Bridestowe, Devon, in a car which had three tyres which did not have sufficient tread.
The court heard the steering rather than the speed caused the accident.
The judge was told the couple were in a happy relationship but communicated with 'jokey arguments and teased each other'.

'I treat it as a tragic accident caused by a momentary loss of concentration' 
- Judge Francis Gilbert QC

Hauerslev, who escaped with whiplash and bruising, admitted causing death by careless driving.
Mr Coombe said: 'The Pearns do not want the defendant to go to prison.'
The judge, Francis Gilbert QC, said it was reassuing for judges to know that victim’s families do not seek a severe punishment.
Lee Bremridge, defending, said: 'The events will live with her for the rest of her life and she is deeply sorry to Alec’s family for what happened and the loss of their son.'
Judge Gilbert told Hauerslev: 'I treat it as a tragic accident caused by a momentary loss of concentration.'
He gave her a 12 month community order with supervision, ordered her to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work and banned her from driving for two years.
He also commended the courage of Mr Cazaly for 'putting himself at considerable risk' saying: 'He did very well.'
As they left court Mr Pearn’s father Andy and brother Colin hugged Hauerslev.
Mr Pearn's family had said he was a 'fun loving young man who was dearly loved, well liked and respected by all who knew him'.
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