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Footballer jailed over deaths of two boys

06/10/2008

A professional footballer has been jailed after admitting causing the deaths of two boys in a motorway crash.

Former Plymouth Argyle player Luke McCormick was ordered to serve seven years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to causing the deaths of Arron Peak, ten, and Ben, eight, by dangerous driving.

The boys were killed in a crash on the M6 in Staffordshire on June 7th.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper also admitted a charge of driving with excess alcohol when he appeared at Trent crown court.

The car in which the boys were travelling with their father Phil Peak, 37, and three friends was in a collision with a black Range Rover on the motorway.

Mr Peak, who was in court to hear the verdict with his wife Amanda, was also seriously injured in the accident.

Speaking outside the court this afternoon, Staffordshire police's Sergeant Steve Robinson described the investigation into the boys' deaths at the "most complex" he had ever been involved in.

"Clearly Amanda and Phil are upset, they would have preferred a slightly longer sentence but realise the judge has sentencing guidelines," he said.

Sgt Robinson added he hoped the family would now be "able to get on with their lives".

The Peak family also released a statement after the trial, stating their disappointment at the fact that McCormick will be eligible for parole in three-and-a-half years.

McCormick is a former England youth international and was twice voted Plymouth's young player of the season.

His contract with the Championship club was cancelled by "mutual consent" in July.