A man who killed two women and left a man with serious injuries while drink driving has been jailed for seven years.

David Sheridan was awaiting trial on an earlier drink driving charge when he ploughed into a stationary car in Edinburgh while almost double the legal alcohol limit for driving.

The court heard that after the fatal collision Sheridan emerged from his own car and lit a cigarette, but made no attempt to go the other car where his victims lay injured and dead.

His car hit the other at almost twice the speed limit and work colleagues, Lorraine Griffin and Letitia Gillick, were killed as they returned from a pre-Christmas night-out last year.

David Sheridan admitted drink driving

Miss Griffin's partner, garage manager Alan McIntyre, was also badly hurt in the crash.

Sheridan earlier admitted driving his Vauxhall Senator at speeds of up to 58 mph in a 30 mph zone and failing to stop at a "Give Way" sign before crashing into the other car.

After he was jailed at the High Court in Edinburgh, Agnes Griffin, whose daughter Lorraine was one of the women killed, said a seven year sentence was not long enough.

She said: "It is not enough to get the message through. In this day and age everyone should be well aware they should not be drinking and driving at all."

Excessive speed

Lorraine's sister, Sharon Casey, added: "At least his family can visit him at Christmas time, all we have to visit is a grave."

Lord Abernethy told Sheridan that as well as being jailed for the offence he would be banned from driving for 10 years and would have to resit a test.

The judge said: "Nothing I can do will bring back those who lost their lives."

He said he could not overlook that Sheridan was driving at excessive speed while over the drink drive limit.

'Horrific sight'

"It must be obvious to everyone to do that is potentially lethal. You caused the deaths of two innocent people with all the suffering that has resulted for their loved ones," he said.

Defence counsel Donald Findlay QC said: "Two lives are lost and one life is undoubtedly shattered. There seems little doubt, but that Sheridan will take the burden of guilt with him for the rest of his life."

Mr Findlay added: "He is anxious that his deep and serious regret for this incident is conveyed to the families of the two deceased persons."

The defence lawyer said of the incident with the cigarette after the crash that Sheridan's position was that he did walk towards the other vehicle, but that what met his eyes was so horrific he turned away.