Footballer jailed over death smash

7:35pm Monday 6th October 2008

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A drunken footballer who was seen "driving like an idiot" before he killed two young boys has been jailed for seven years.

Luke McCormick had spent much of the night partying and was twice the drink drive limit when he smashed into a car carrying six people, killing brothers Ben and Arron Peak.

The former Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper was jailed for seven years and four months at Stoke Crown Court after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and drink driving.

The boys' parents Phil and Amanda Peak said outside court they were pleased he had "decided to face up to the fact" he had caused the deaths of their only children.

But the couple, who are unable to have more children, expressed disappointment at the fact he will be eligible for parole in three-and-a-half years.

Arron, 10, and Ben, eight, were travelling to Silverstone racetrack for a dream day out with their father and three friends when their Toyota Previa people carrier was hit by McCormick's powerful black Range Rover on the M6 in Staffordshire at 5.44am on June 7.

Police investigators estimated McCormick's Range Rover was travelling at around 97mph moments before the crash.

Mr Peak, 37, from Partington in Manchester, was at the wheel of the Toyota and suffered serious injuries. He is now in a wheelchair and wears a neckbrace and may have to undergo surgery. Police say he may never recover from his injuries.

McCormick, 25, was returning from former team-mate David Norris's wedding in Bolton, when the crash happened. He had spent the day drinking and had only had two hours' sleep.

McCormick, dressed in a dark suit, kept his head bowed and covered his face with his hand as it was revealed he told eyewitnesses at the scene: "I am so sorry, I'm sorry. I just fell asleep. I fell asleep, I'm sorry."

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