Jail for day dreaming Dutch lorry driver who killed two probation officers in horror M20 smash

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, had been dedicated to their work checking up on registered sex offenders around Kent.

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The pair died instantly when Vos crashed into their VW Golf on the M20 motorway near Ashford, Kent.

Vos had denied the charges but was convicted by a jury at the same court yesterday .

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.

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He said: "You ploughed into the back of their VW Golf and they were crushed to death under a horse box.

"You had half a minute to slow down but you didn't react until almost the last minute.

"You were avoidably distracted - if you had been concentrating you would have seen a sea of red brake lights.

"At least part of the cause of your distraction was your personal computer.

"You later sought to conceal a memory card for it in your sock because you knew you had something to hide.

"Your driving fell far below acceptable standards - lorry drivers have a great responsibility because it's obvious any impact would be likely to lead to a fatality.

"This has been devastating for their family."

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

After today's hearing Kerry's mum and dad, Ann and Harry Lester, told of their grief They described the "phone call" they got in the middle of the night which will be with them forever.

The couple said: "Kerry was a loving, caring, cheerful and hardworking mother in a close-knit family which has been devastated.

"The desolation we have felt has been unbearable combined with the anger that our daughter's life was taken by someone's negligence.

"We are pleased he has been found guilty."