Tutton was on a rehabilitation programme after earlier convictions

Grant Tutton, of Cinderhill Lane, Horsted Keynes, West Sussex, was a disqualified driver when the crash happened on 29 January in Ardingly.

Lewes Crown Court heard he was also probably over the drink drive limit.

Tutton, 20, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

The crash happened on the B2028 Lindfield Road in Ardingly, West Sussex.

Tutton was driving three friends to a Saturday night party when he tried a "plainly dangerous" overtaking manoeuvre around a horsebox and another car, the court heard.

There was a vehicle coming the other way and Tutton swerved off the road into a tree.

Alex Cater, 20, of Ardingly, died at the scene of the crash.

Victim Alex Cater, on the right, pictured with his brother Josh

David Dodds, 20, of East Grinstead, was taken to hospital but died later of his injuries.

Tutton spent more than two weeks in a coma, while a third passenger - George Donnan, 21, from East Grinstead - was also seriously injured.

An investigation found that none of the four men were wearing seatbelts.

Sentencing Tutton on Tuesday, Judge Richard Brown said he had committed an "horrendous and totally irresponsible piece of dangerous driving".

"The offences are so serious that only a substantial custodial sentence can be justified," he said.

Tutton was given eight years in prison for each of two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and five months for driving while disqualified, with all terms to run concurrently.

Afterwards Mr Cater's mother Claire had this message: "Never ever get into a car with someone you think might have been drinking. It can cost your life at any age.