A BUSINESSMAN is facing jail after being convicted of causing the death of a Winchester teenager in a crash in a £1.2 million Ferrari.

Matthew Cobden, 39, of Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, lost control of the Ferrari F50 on August 22, 2016 while taking 13-year-old Alexander Worth for a spin.

The court was told that the supercar "accelerated uncontrollably" in a farm lane in North Warnborough, Hampshire, causing it to flip and throw the pair, who were not wearing seatbelts, from the vehicle.

Cobden denied causing death by careless driving, saying the car had a mechanical defect, but was convicted after trial at Winchester Crown Court on a majority verdict of 10 to 2.

The court heard that Justin Smith, who supplied car batteries to Cobden, had brought his partner Arabella Worth, and her son, Alexander, with him when he visited the premises.

Mr Smith told the court that after Cobden offered to take Alexander for a ride, he "in a flash, dashed" to get into the car.

Cobden told the court that he drove off in the car carefully, not exceeding the 10mph speed limit.

He said that he had not worn a seatbelt and had not asked Alexander to put one on.

Cobden broke down in tears while giving evidence, saying: "It's something I think about all the time, if I had done, things could have been different."

Describing the crash, he said: "I didn't do anything stupid, I was just trying to do my job."

Thomas Wilkins, prosecuting, said the car was travelling at about 40mph at the time of the collision.

Mr Wilkins said: "Alexander died when the defendant's car drove off the right-hand side into a long fence post which launched the vehicle into the air, flipping it and turning it through 270 degrees.

Judge Keith Cutler adjourned sentence until 26 March.

Following the trial, Anton Allera, from the CPS, said: “Alexander Worth’s death was the tragic result of driver error on the part of Matthew Cobden.

“Following a thorough police investigation the CPS presented evidence to demonstrate the vehicle was in perfect working order prior to the incident.

“The prosecution case from the outset was that this fatal incident was caused by the driver’s error. After hearing all of the evidence, the jury was satisfied that Cobden’s driving fell below the standard required.

“Our thoughts are with Alexander’s family and friends at this time.”