A van driver, who had never taken a test before, crashed into two cars after racing down a Headcorn road at more than double the speed limit while high on cocaine, a court has heard.

Karl Willoughby had reached speeds of up to 75mph while driving a Ford Transit along the A274 Biddenden Road - where the limit is 30mph - on July 18 last year.

The 33-year-old lost control on a humpback bridge, causing the van to "fly through the air".

It collided with a Skoda Fabia and a Suzuki Grand Vitara which had been travelling from the opposite direction.

The smash led to injuries to two women, one of whom had to be removed from her vehicle by fire crews.

Willoughby was also injured after becoming trapped in the Transit which overturned.

Kent Police launched an investigation and when Willoughby was initially spoken to he provided false details, giving a different name.

A urine sample was taken which showed the presence of cocaine and cannabis.

"Willoughby was driving so recklessly that at one stage witnesses reported seeing the van flying through the air" - Sergeant Peter Greaves

Willoughby, of Milner Grove, Hartlepool, Cleveland, said he was using the van for work purposes but confessed he had never held a driving licence or even taken a test.

Appearing before Maidstone Crown Court he pleaded guilty to counts of dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, driving with no insurance and driving without a licence.

Willoughby was jailed for 15 months. He was also disqualified from driving for almost five years and will be required to take an extended test.

Sergeant Peter Greaves of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "Willoughby was driving so recklessly that at one stage witnesses reported seeing the van flying through the air.

"Quite simply, he should never have been behind the wheel, having no licence and having also previously consumed quantities of Class A drugs and cannabis.

"His actions have caused significant injury to two other drivers who will have to live with their effects for a considerable time.

"I would like to thank them for their assistance throughout this investigation."

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