News

A foreign lorry driver who killed two women while "day dreaming" at the wheel was jailed for three and a half years.

Dutchman Johnny Vos, 47, wept in the dock and apologised to his victims family as he was sentenced for two counts of death by dangerous driving at Maidstone Crown Court.

Victims Hazel Croucher, 48, of Dover, and Kerry Sharpe, 47, of Folkestone died instantly when Vos crashed into their VW Golf on the M20 motorway near Ashford.

He claimed he had been "day dreaming" and was distracted when he ploughed into the back of the Golf, smashing it into another lorry carrying seven horses.

Judge Mr Justice Bean said the deaths had not stemmed from a momentary lapse of jusgement but a sustained period of 30 seconds inattention at the wheel.

The judge also imposed a three year driving ban on Vos.

Mum-of-two Kerry, from Folkestone, and her best friend Hazel, from Dover, were both probation officers who were travelling home when they were hit by the heavy goods vehicle.