A 20-year-old Ipswich man was jailed for eight years today after he admitted causing the deaths of two women by dangerous driving.

Colin Adwent

A 20-year-old Ipswich man was jailed for eight years today after he admitted causing the deaths of two women by dangerous driving.

Scott Nicholls, formerly of West Villa, Woodbridge Road, admitted killing Emma Harold, 26, and Kate Wasyluk, 25, when he appeared at Ipswich Crown Court for pleas and sentencing hearing.

The crash happened near St Clement's Hospital in Foxhall Road on February 21, and also left Miss Harold's 25-year-old sister Rebecca with serious injuries.

Miss Wasyluk, of Irlam Road, and Emma, of Foxhall Road, were on their way home from a night out when Nicholls' car mounted the pavement and struck them, along with Rebecca.

This afternoon, Nicholls was jailed for eight years for causing the two deaths, and a further three months for driving while disqualified, to run concurrently.

He will initially be detained at a mental health institution, and will then serve the remainder of the sentence in prison when he is well enough to be transferred there.

Martyn Levett, representing Nicholls, had earlier told the court: “I am content a plea is taken as soon as possible.

“I am sure your honour will appreciate all round emotions and tensions will be somewhat high.

“In this case, there has been a substantial body of medical evidence that has been presented to the court in the form of four psychological reports.”

There were 17 relatives of Miss Harold and Miss Wasyluk in court, including the former's sister, Rebecca.

Nicholls' grandfather and brother were also in court. His grandfather periodically wept during the short hearing.