A DRIVER who caused a double death crash in Basingstoke by falling asleep at the wheel of a car has been jailed for two years.

Mark Reed was test driving a Renault Laguna when it was involved in a head-on collision with a Renault Clio containing Maureen Cox, 59, and her 79-year-old mother Beryl Driscoll.

Reed, a mechanic, admitted two charges of causing death by dangerous driving on the A30 at Kempshott during the evening rush-hour on January 31.

At Friday’s sentencing hearing, Winchester Crown Court heard about the devastation caused to the extended family of the crash victims, who both lived in the Shirley area of Southampton, as prosecutor Simon Edwards read several moving victim impact statements.

Barry Driscoll, Beryl’s son and Maureen’s brother, said: “The loss has devastated our family and hardly a moment passes by when we are not thinking of them.

“Their deaths have caused a massive hole. They will never have the opportunity to see daughters marry or grandchildren grow up.”

Diana Paull, Maureen’s younger sister, said: “I have lost a darling mother and sister and am devastated and angry they will never share my life again. The long-term effects are enormous. My life holds no meaning at this point in time.”

Samantha Cox, Maureen’s daughter, said: “This has caused so much pain for a lot of people. Losing mum has left a hole in my life. It’s so horrible not having her popping in for a cup of tea and a good old gossip. I feel very lonely and wish I had a magic wand to turn back time.”

Mr Edwards said Reed, 34, who was test driving a car for Renault dealer Martins at the time of the tragedy, immediately admitted his blame and said he had fallen asleep at the wheel.

Michael Fowler, defending, said Reed’s admission was courageous and many people would have tried to wriggle away from their responsibility.

Mr Fowler added Reed, of Cotswold Close, Buckskin, Basingstoke, had not taken any alcohol and said: “There was nothing that could have given any indication he was likely to fall asleep at the wheel.”

Terry Smith, Reed’s uncle, said of his nephew’s remorse: “This is something he will have with him all his life. He is a very sensitive person and this is not something he will be able to shake off ever. It will always be with him.” The court heard that Reed’s wife is expecting their first child in January.

Judge Michael Brodrick imposed a two-year jail sentence on each charge, to run concurrently, banned Reed from driving for five years and ordered him to take an extended driving test before he regains his licence.

After the hearing, in a statement, the crash victims’ family said: “In January this year, our family lost two very special people in the most tragic circumstances, which even now we cannot comprehend.

“It has devastated our family and the hurt will be with us forever. They were two truly inspirational and loving women who touched the hearts of all they met. This is something we will never be able to come to terms with.”