A MOTORIST who drove "atrociously" on a major road in Gwent, causing the death of two of his passengers, was jailed for six years today, and disqualified from driving for eight years at Cardiff crown court.

Father of two Paul Greeves, aged 25, was described by Judge Gerald Price at Cardiff crown court as "a danger when behind the wheel of a motor vehicle".

Greeves was also banned from driving for eight years after his Vauxhall Astra GTE collided with a vehicle coming from the other direction on the A4042 at Llanellen Bridge on April 1, killing two close friends, the court heard.

Greeves, of Rhodfa Terrace, Merthyr Tydfil, admitted causing the deaths of young fathers John Dawson and Paul Veale, both also from the Merthyr Tydfil area, by dangerous driving. He also admitted driving without insurance, while disqualified and making off without paying for petrol.

The judge said: "I'm aware that whatever sentence I pass will be of little comfort to the families of the deceased." He said his dangerous driving was prolonged, appalling and deliberate. Greeves had, he said, "a wanton disregard for the safety of the public". Prosecutor Jonathan Austin said Greeves had been driving "atrociously" before the crash.