A DRINK-DRIVER who killed two people and seriously injured another in a high speed crash has been jailed.

Benjamin Bosden was found to have a high level of alcohol in his blood when he crashed into David and Linda Evans who were killed instantly in the collision.

The 20-year-old student, of Rushlake Green, Heathfield, had been driving a Mini Cooper Works model northbound on the A267 at Cross-In-Hand when he crossed into the southbound carriageway and smashed into a Ford Ranger travelling in the opposite direction.

The crash was so severe that the Ford was stopped in its tracks and pushed backwards off the road, according to police.

The Argus:

The scene was described by those who came across it as “something out of a war zone or off the TV.”

The speedometer on the Mini was found stuck at 112mph immediately after the collision.

Bosden’s 18-year-old female passenger suffered life-threatening injuries requiring emergency surgery.

He also sustained serious injuries in the collision, which occurred at about 11.30pm that day.

David and Linda Evans were described by relatives and friends as “a shining example of a fun-loving couple with a zest for life.”

The Argus:

Their family said: “The irresponsible and thoughtless actions of one young man have caused the death of two people.

“This has led to the immeasurable, intense and wide-ranging grief and feelings of devastation in the lives of so many family members and friends.

“These lives can never be the same.”

Bosden had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, which takes into account the offences of speeding and drink-driving.

He was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court today by Her Honour Judge Christine Laing QC to a total of five years’ imprisonment.

Addressing Bosden at sentencing, she said: “You drove at a frankly ludicrous speed for the conditions and alcohol played a significant part.

“You showed a flagrant disregard for the rules of the road and an utter disregard for the serious danger you posed for other road users.”

The investigating officer, PC Shirley Ross, said: “This collision was another tragic case where lives were needlessly lost and others devastated.

“Bosden’s decision that day to get behind the wheel of a high powered car and to drive in the reckless manner that he did, having consumed alcohol, was nothing short of dangerous.

“This case is another stark warning to all drivers, particularly those in this young age bracket, of the devastating consequences of exceeding speed limits and driving while under the influence of alcohol.

“Our advice is simple – drink OR drive; never both.”