A DRIVER who killed two cyclists in a devastating smash in Purley while nearly two-and-a-half times over the drink-drive limit was jailed yesterday (Wednesday).

Alexander Walter held his head in his hands at Reading Crown Court as judge John Reddihough sentenced him to 10 years and three months for killing cyclists Kris Jarvis, 39, and 30-year-old John Morland.

The court heard 31-year-old Walter had argued with his partner of 10 years, who left the house in Beech Road, Purley on February 13 and later returned to find his black BMW missing. A police patrol car in Pangbourne saw the BMW and Walter fled towards Purley Rise when the blue lights came on. He was driving at nearly 70mph when he entered the 30mph limit at Purley Rise, at around 9pm, and lost control before skidding onto the verge and hitting the cyclists, who both worked for Reading Borough Council and were wearing helmets.

Walter skidded 80 metres down Purley Rise before the car flipped over in the road. He was cut free by police and taken to hospital, where he was arrested. The court heard he had 191mg of alcohol in his blood per 100ml – the legal limit is 80mg.

Jailing him for 10 years and three months, Judge Reddihough said: “You proceeded to drive in the most dangerous and reckless manner along a stretch of road, almost colliding with a vehicle, driving at grossly excessive speeds, colliding with two innocent cyclists who were not even on the main carriageway.

“Because of your thoughtless, selfish, dangerous actions seven children have been left without a father, two women have been left without partners. To make matters worse, you have an appalling criminal record.”

Walter has appeared before the court 14 previous times for 67 offences.

After the sentence was delivered, gasps of shock erupted in the public gallery before a scuffle broke out and a woman punched Walter’s solicitor.

Walter pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving as well as driving while uninsured and disqualified, and taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

Defending, James House said Walter should be credited for his early guilty plea and told the court he had come to England from Russia as an orphan. He said: “The defendant knows full well whatever I say on his behalf can do nothing to alleviate the suffering of the families. He is only too aware that the apology he has expressed and that I make on his behalf will sound hollow.”

Speaking through tears after the hearing, Hayley Lindsay, John Morland’s partner, said: “Justice may have been served in the eyes of the law but to us and so many others justice could never be served. All we want are John and Kris, the two most loving, devoted men, back with us.”