by Keith Hunt

A driver who was racing a friend when two passengers were killed has been jailed for 10 years.

Terrence Maloney was told by a judge his conduct after the crash was "callous and calculated" as two friends lay dead.

Leo Msalmi, who was driving the car in which the victims were travelling, was jailed for six years.

Korin Brooker and Danny Moss, both 20, were killed almost instantly when the car hit traffic islands.

Maloney, of Southwood Road, Tunbridge Wells, denied causing death by dangerous driving but was convicted. He admitted possessing cocaine with intent to supply and possession and was given a concurrent sentence of two-and-a-half years.

Msalmi, of Parsonage Close, Tunbridge Wells, admitted causing death by dangerous driving. The 21-year-old confessed he and Maloney, 27, had been racing and gave evidence for the prosecution. Maloney denied they were racing.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the friends and others had been to the Pinnacles pub in Shipbourne Road, Tonbridge, on February 22 last year.

Msalmi was driving Miss Brooker's Fiat Bravo because she had drunk too much. Miss Brooker, of Woodside Road, Tunbridge Wells, was in the front passenger seat. Mr Moss, of Clifton Road, Tunbridge Wells, was in the back seat with his girlfriend Shannon Cox.

Maloney was driving his BMW 323. They set off for a club in Tunbridge Wells after closing time. There was overtaking.

Msalmi was in front when he reached North Farm roundabout and drove at around 60mph in a 30mph limit. He crossed onto the wrong carriageway, lost control of his car and crashed.

Maloney pulled up and called the emergency services but before the police arrived he told Msalmi: "If they ask, we were not racing. Tell them we were doing 40. A fox ran out and you swerved."

Maloney was banned from driving for 10 years and Msalmi for eight years.

Sgt Paul Squire, who led the investigation, said: "This was a tragic incident fuelled by egotism and euphoria. The sentencing is a stark warning to foolhardy drivers intent on getting their thrills from high-speed racing and driving recklessly.

"Two young people unfortunately lost their lives in the prime of their life and our thoughts go out to the two families."