Footballer jailed for seven years

A professional footballer who killed two young brothers while driving drunk and jetlagged at almost 100mph was jailed for seven years yesterday.

Arron Peak, 10, and his eight-year-old brother, Ben, were both killed instantly when McCormick, 25, a goalkeeper for Plymouth Argyle, smashed his black Range Rover into the Toyota people-carrier they were travelling in on the M6 in Staffordshire. The car was forced down an embankment and into trees.

The boys' father Phil Peak, 37, who had been driving them and three friends to a day out at Silverstone racetrack on June 7, was seriously injured. The other three boys suffered minor injuries.

McCormick, who was returning from a team-mate's wedding, was seen driving "like an idiot", witnesses said.

McCormick pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol. Judge Paul Glenn called his decision to drive "seriously culpable behaviour".

In a statement after the verdict, Mr Peak - who appeared in court in a wheelchair - and his wife, Amanda, said they were "pleased that at last Luke McCormick decided to face up to the fact he has caused the deaths of Arron and Ben".

But they added: "He will restart his life when he is still a young man. Our sons will never experience the things Luke has had."