A Surrey, B.C., man found guilty of dangerous driving causing death has avoided a jail sentence — an outcome the victim’s family says is inadequate.

The 18-year-old convicted man — who cannot be named because he was 16 when he committed the crime — was sentenced Monday to 18 months probation and 40 hours of community service. He was also barred from driving for three and half years and ordered to stay away from alcohol and drugs.

On the night of the June 2009 incident, the driver had gone drinking with two friends in a park and then all three drove off in his mother’s car, which he had taken without permission.

Court was told that a short time later, he was speeding, sideswiped a car and smashed into a lamp post.

One of the passengers, Sanjeeve Sharma, 15, died as a result of his injuries from the crash.

The driver violated several conditions of his learner's licence, including drinking alcohol and having two young passengers.

Sharma's parents never believed the young offender's punishment would fit the crime.

"[It] still won't bring Sanjeeve back. [It’s] not justice," said the victim’s father, Sanjay Sharma.

The young Sharma’s mother also was unhappy with the outcome in court Monday.

“In America, he would've been sentenced as an adult," said Sara Sharma.

The parents gave victim impacts statements prior to sentencing, telling the court how the loss has impacted their life.

They said they have lived in pain since Sanjeeve's death and have not celebrated Christmas since the crash.

"Everyday we think about him and talk about him,” said Sara Sharma. “He was our future. He was our dream."

With files from the CBC's Aarti Pole