A MAN whose careless driving resulted in the deaths of two young women has been banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to carry out 180 hours community work.

James Hine, of Stoney Lane, Crossway Green, Stourport, was driving his maroon Ford Escort on the B4211 in Corse Lawn on June 28 last year when he lost control of the car close to a bend and hit an oncoming vehicle head on.

His girlfriend and passenger, Eleanor Grundy, died in hospital the day after the crash and Natasha Rudski, a passenger in the oncoming silver Renault Clio, died at the scene. They both died from multiple injuries, including severe head injuries.

The Clio driver, Lee Horley, was left with significant abdominal injuries and a ruptured bowel and back seat passengers, Melissa and Verity Jelfs, suffered a broken collarbone and wrist, and a broken leg respectively.

Hine, 21, initially pleaded not guilty to the offence, which happened just after 8pm on the 60mph rural road, in mild conditions but overcast skies.

He later changed his plea to guilty of careless driving.

Defending, Charles Hamer, said no penalty could compare to what his client, a student, had been through.

"The effect upon Mr Hine has been devastating," he said, "He has lost his best friend, whom he shared a home with, and they were intending to make a life together.

"He is grieving and is all too aware of the grieving of others as a result of the accident. Mr Hine has not driven since that day. He does not feel he can bring himself to do so."

Mr Hamer added police had reported the road to be wet and greasy that evening and that, tragically, Eleanor was not thought to have been wearing her seatbelt and Natasha was probably not wearing hers correctly.

District Judge, Bruce Morgan, said when sentencing he must take into account the devastating consequences of Hine's carelessness.

"This is the most serious kind of careless driving," he said.

"It is a tragic case and I feel the financial penalty I could give would not be enough."

Hine was not thought to have been speeding and both cars were estimated to have been travelling at around 50mph.

He was also found to have no alcohol in his blood after the crash.