A drink-driver who killed three people when he crashed at 126mph while more than twice the alcohol limit has been jailed for 10 years.

Carl Simpson had downed several pints of lager before causing the smash that claimed the lives of a beloved grandmother, a dad-to-be and a newly-married husband.

The 36-year-old was driving his white BMW M135i along Romney Road in Lydd in April 2021 when it collided with Sharon Haywood’s car.

The 58-year-old social worker from Kennington was killed instantly, along with Simpson’s friends Jack Ryle-Thompsett, 26, and 48-year-old Michael Phelan.

The girlfriend of Mr Ryle-Thompsett, from Lydd, was more than six months pregnant at the time.

During Simpson’s sentencing at Canterbury Crown Court today, relatives of the victims spoke out about the terrible effect of the crash on their lives.

Angela Phelan said the death of her husband, who was from Hull, had “destroyed” her, and their future had been stolen.

She told the court: “Life with Mike was wonderful, we were happy and in love – we had waited our whole lives for ‘the one’, but after just 20 months of marriage our happiness was ripped apart and I was made a widow at the age of 44.

“My best friend is gone, our future has been stolen… We had so many plans for the future, just thinking about it makes me scream with heartache. What do I do now? How do I carry on?”

Mr Phelan’s daughter, Shannon, added: “All I wanted to do is hold my dad’s hand, give him one last kiss and say goodbye – but that was also taken away by the actions of Carl Simpson.

“When he was brought home, we were told the condition of his body had deteriorated and were strongly advised not to see him.

“I knew at that point I had to let him go, my last goodbye ripped away from me.

“I constantly picture the events, the speed travelled, the impact from the collision… my dad stayed there for hours, lifeless in the back of a burning car, while in the meantime the man responsible was in the hospital being treated. It should not have been my dad left in that car.”

Mr Ryle-Thompsett left behind his partner Georgie Fletcher, who at the time of his death was heavily pregnant with their daughter Lylah.

Taking the stand, Ms Fletcher spoke directly to Simpson. She said: “You got into that car and you drove at a speed that was completely unacceptable and you killed three innocent people.

“Carl, you came into my house, I washed your clothes and made you comfortable. In return, I have been left with nothing.

“All [Lylah] has is photos and videos of her father. What you have done is unforgivable.

“You will eventually be at home with your family… Lylah is such a happy girl but the time will come where she wants answers. I hope you remember this as we always will.”

Mr Ryle-Thompsett’s mother, Cindy Swift, said she would “never recover” from losing her son.

“There are not enough words that describe the heartache and pain caused not only to myself but his younger brothers, Charlie and Benjamin, his grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins […] everybody who loved him so dearly and he loved them so much.

“But most of all, Lylah his daughter of two years old will never get the chance to meet her daddy, he will never get the chance to see her grow.

“He was always living life to the full – ‘what will be will be mum’ he said, it was always glass half full never half empty. Always laughing. We all have such lovely memories of him, unfortunately any chance of making more in the future have been destroyed because he was brutally ripped away at such a young age.

“He had such a big heart and a beautiful personality, having to watch him be lowered into a deep dark hole knowing he will never shine again will haunt me forever.

“I hope you can hear me my darling when I say I miss our conversations, your laugh, your smile, your voice, your smell. Jack, I miss you my darling, goodnight my angel, until we meet again. Love you Jack.”

Mrs Haywood, a beloved grandmother of nine and social worker from Kennington, near Ashford, had been on her way home from work when the crash occurred.

Her daughter Rachel Stephens said: “Mum had no control, no say over her own death, she was instantly gone and taken from her own family.

“All she was doing was driving home to Ashford after caring for the elderly in Lydd, a job she loved.

“Even though it is two years since the crash, I still cannot believe my mother is gone.”

Mitigating, Simpson’s solicitor highlighted his reported injuries, as well as his wife and three children.

He also said that his client had shown “genuine remorse”, and would “never recover” from the mental issues that the incident had sparked.

Witness statements reported seeing the BMW being driven at a “terrifying” speed in the moments leading up to the collision, with Mrs Haywood driving in in the opposite direction.

The court heard that Mrs Haywood’s Dacia Duster Ambiance – which had encroached onto the opposite side of the road – was thrown upwards by the force of the collision.

The car landed in a field, with Mrs Haywood sustaining fatal injuries.

The BMW spun, eventually coming to a rest facing the opposite way that it had come.

Mr Ryle-Thompsett and Mr Phelan, who had been in the near-side front and rear passenger seats respectively, were both killed instantly. Passers-by were able to help Simpson out of the car before it caught fire.

Simpson sustained serious injuries in the crash and was airlifted to hospital – but was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Police said his mugshot was not available.

Appearing at Canterbury Crown Court earlier this year, the Durham resident – a father of three himself – admitted three counts of causing death by dangerous driving and a further three of causing death without due care while over the prescribed limit.

Sentencing Simpson today, Judge Simon James described his driving as “aggressive” and “reckless”.

Speaking in court, Judge James added that he was limited in law as to what sentence he could pass, due to the date of the crash.

A new law introduced in 2022 increased the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving to life in prison – but as the crash happened in 2021, the maximum sentence Simpson could have received was just 14 years.

“Since your dangerous driving caused the death of three people, parliament has identified what courts and victim’s families have known for many years; namely that a maximum sentence of 14 years is simply not sufficient to mark the seriousness of [such offences],” the judge added.

“I am however obliged to sentence you in accordance to the law which was in effect at the time of your offence.”

He also added that had Simpson not plead guilty – albeit so close to the trial – then he would “most certainly” have received that maximum sentence.

“The tragic and untimely loss of each of these lives will leave a void in each of the hearts [of their family members],” he added.

“There is in reality no sentence I can pass which will adequately reflect the heartache, grief and understandable rage that they feel.”

Speaking after the hearing, Mrs Phelan said justice has been served, but no jail time could bring back her husband.

She said: “After two long and very hard years we are finally able to let Michael rest, justice has been served, although no sentence will ever be enough for Carl Simpson for taking away our beautiful Michael and the heartache and pain Carl has caused our family.”

Rachael Stephens said no sentence could ever bring her mum back, adding: “I am glad he has been sent to prison and uses that time to consider his selfish actions. A speeding, drunk driver has resulted in destroying our family and it’s broken my grandad, mum’s dad’s heart.”

Jack Ryle-Thompsett’s mum, Sindy Swift, said: “No matter the sentencing of Simpson he will never suffer the life punishment we all suffer now only having Jack in photos and memories.”