The family of a man killed in a crash near Newmarket have described him as a “lovable character” as the driver responsible for his death, and that of another motorist, was jailed for eight years today.

The court heard Sadie Fuller, 33, of Exning Road, Newmarket, had cocaine in her system at the time of the fatal crash that claimed the lives of Marius Gioacas and Paul Gale, and seriously injured Amy Hilario.

Fuller was driving a VW Golf between 61mph and 70mph along the B1103, Exning Road, a 40mph speed zone, just before midnight on May 27 this year.

Driving on the wrong side of the road around a bend and under the influence of drugs, she collided with Mr Gioacas’ Renault, which was travelling in the opposite direction at 21mph.

Mr Gioacas was killed in the crash as was Paul Gale, who was in the passenger seat next to Fuller.

Fuller had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

She had also pleaded guilty to possession of heroin, driving without a licence and driving without insurance.

A victim statement from Mr Gales’s wife Amanda was read aloud in court by prosecutor Michael Crimp.

She described him as a ‘lovable character’ with an ‘infectious laugh’ and a ‘great sense of humour’.

A passionate West Ham supporter, he had planned one day to take his six-year-old son Archie to watch them play.

Her statement continued: “He adored his son and his son adored him. At the age of six, Archie looks so much like his dad. Archie now has a memory box to keep all the special memories.”

Mrs Gale added: “Paul will always be remembered as a good person. He would do anything for anyone. We will miss everything about him.”

Miss Hilario , who was in the backseat of the car Fuller was driving, suffered ‘multiple musculoskeletal fractures’ and facial injuries in the collision.

The court heard Fuller was the only person wearing a seatbelt.

In mitigation, Joanne Eley said Fuller had lived a ‘chaotic past’ and was ‘hugely remorseful’ for her actions.

“She knows she made a really big mistake, one which she will never forgive herself for,” she said.

Judge John Devaux jailed Fuller for eight years for each count of death by dangerous driving and 28 months for causing serious injury by dangerous driving, all to run concurrently.