by Keith Hunt

A driver has been warned he is facing a substantial jail sentence for killing two pedestrians and injuring three others.

Stefan Stanko pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to two charges of causing death by dangerous driving of Brian Moon, 67, and 49-year-old Denise Head.

The 24-year-old Slovakian, of Russell Quay, West Street, Gravesend, also admitted driving with excess alcohol and failing to stop after an accident. He denied a third charge of dangerous driving and it was left on the court file.

Mrs Head, of Little Knoll, South Ashford, and Mr Moon, of Farrow Court, Stanhope, were struck by Stanko's Nissan Primera in Beaver Road, Ashford, on September 27.

They were in a group of family and friends walking home just after midnight after an evening at Ashford International Sports and Social Club.

Grandmother Mrs Head was pronounced dead at the scene and great-grandfather Mr Moon died later in hospital.

Phyllis Wanstall, Julie Scorah and her 12-year-old niece Rosina Brown were injured. Rosina sustained serious head injuries.

Sentence on Stanko was adjourned for reports until after January 13.

Remanding him in custody, Judge Jeremy Gold QC warned: "You should clearly understand a custodial sentence is inevitable in this case. The preparation of a report is to assist the judge as to the appropriate length of that sentence."