DYSFUNCTIONAL and suicidal Scott Nicholls told a psychiatrist he wished he had died instead of his two victims.

DYSFUNCTIONAL and suicidal Scott Nicholls told a psychiatrist he wished he had died instead of his two victims.

Ipswich Crown Court heard how Nicholls was already suffering from a number of complex mental health conditions when the car he was driving ploughed into Emma Harold, Kate Wasyluk and Rebecca Harold.

Those disorders led to him attempting suicide on three occasions last year and the deterioration of his health after the tragedy had worsened his illnesses, experts said.

The court was told things had got so bad Nicholls tried to take his own life for a fourth time last month.

Martyn Levett, mitigating, said his client had also expressed extreme remorse to a psychiatrist for killing Emma and Kate, and seriously injuring Rebecca.

The court heard how Nicholls had told the psychiatrist: “I would like to say I'm sorry for the pain I have caused. I know there's nothing I can do to bring their (the families') daughters back.

“I can't believe I was so stupid to have taken my brother's car and because of that such a tragedy has happened.

“I think about it every day and every day I wish it was me that had died instead of them.”

Judge Peter Thompson was told the 20-year-old continues to have suicidal thoughts, symptoms of paranoia, a low mood and hallucinations.

Forensic psychiatrist Gillian Mezey said Nicholls has significant mental health problems and mental disorders, although there was uncertainty of the actual diagnosis.

She said he suffered from a depressive disorder and an anti-social personality disorder.

The court heard Nicholls has had a chaotic existence since the age of ten. It was said he suffered abuse during his upbringing. He had also used drugs and alcohol to the point where he was dependent on both.

Nicholls' latest suicide attempt occurred three to four weeks ago at Cawston Park hospital, near Norwich, where he is currently receiving treatment.

In a report written on July 20 this year professor Bob Peckitt, senior forensic psychiatrist at Suffolk Mental Health NHS Trust, wrote that Nicholls had an extensive history of childhood neglect and abuse.

The report added Nicholls' behaviour has been chaotic, irresponsible and reckless. There was also a high likelihood that if Nicholls was imprisoned rather than being detained in hospital he would kill himself due to the additional stress of jail.