Pair jailed over fatal M2 crash in Kent

Edward Parker and David Steele were jailed for seven and four years respectively

Two men who were involved in a car crash that killed a father-of-three in Kent have been jailed for causing death by dangerous driving.

Jim Molloy, 58, from Broadstairs, died at the scene of the accident on the M2 near Walderslade on 31 July 2009.

David Steele, 55, of Hartlip, was jailed for four years at Lewes Crown Court after admitting the offence.

Edward Parker, 51, of Kings Hill, was jailed for seven years after being found guilty on 10 December.

Four cars and a lorry were involved in the collision between junctions three and four.

The court heard Steele and Parker were seen travelling between 120mph (193km/h) and 140mph (225km/h) and close to each other before the collision.

Kent Police said Parker, a company director, ploughed into the back of Mr Molloy's car, causing him to lose control.

Mr Molloy's car struck a lorry before hitting the central reservation barrier and catching fire.

'Truly wonderful man'

Four men pulled him to safety but paramedics' attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

Mr Molloy, who worked with adults with learning disabilities, was married with three daughters and two grandchildren.

The family of Mr Molloy said he was the head of their "very close family"

In a statement, his family said: "Jim was a truly wonderful man full of love and compassion, who was the head of our very close family.

"Our family life before his death was filled with laughter, jokes and fun times, but now it is hard not to focus on the way he died and that when we are together he is always missing.

"We grieve for him and for the life we all once had."

Pc Ian Malcolm, of Kent Police, said: "What should have been a day like any other for the Molloy family was changed forever by the selfish actions of two men.

"A normal working day ended in tragedy as a result of the complete disregard by Steele and Parker for the law and other road users and, indeed, their own safety."

Steele, a retired businessman, was also disqualified from driving for six years and ordered to pay £1,000 costs at the court on Tuesday.

Parker was disqualified from driving for seven years and ordered to pay £3,500 costs.