Man jailed for six and a half years for car deaths

A man who pleaded guilty to causing the death of two teenagers by dangerous driving has been jailed for six and a half years.

Paul Jude Johnston, 34, formerly of Ballymena Road, Carnlough, had pleaded guilty to causing the deaths of Gavin O'Neill, 16, and David McAuley, 15, both passengers in his car, on 27 August 2003.

Johnston had been showing off in his car when he had given three youngsters a lift.

Travelling at speeds of up to 140 mph he eventually clipped a kerb and spun out of control hitting the garage of a house on the Marine Road, Carnlough, at around 120 mph.

At Antrim Crown Court on Friday, Judge David Smyth said it was one of the worst cases of its type to come before him.

(MB)