A SPORTS car enthusiast who killed his best friend in a high-speed crash has been jailed for three and a half years despite pleas for leniency from his victim's mother.

Stuart Armstrong, 26, was driving his high-performance Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution at up to 100-mph before he lost control in Holes Bay, Poole.

His best friend Jonathan Dunn, 30, died in the horrific crash and Mr Dunn's fiancee Angela Carden was badly injured along with another rear-seat passenger.

Car valeter Armstrong, of Lorne Park Road, Bournemouth, was convicted of causing Mr Dunn's death by dangerous driving on April 2 last year. He has two previous convictions for speeding.

Prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court, David Richards read a moving statement from Mr Dunn's mother Dorothy.

She said: "How do you put the loss of your son into words? I can't believe the pain I feel to this day. The reality has still not sunk in.

"No one could understand how I feel unless they have lost a child. Jonathan lived life and had a wonderful future ahead of him.

"I keep waiting for him to come through the door. All I can do is sit with him at the cemetery. Jonathan's death has finished me. I don't know how I will carry on."

Mrs Dunn called for a change in the law to prevent other families having to endure two post mortems.

"We were left for weeks, not knowing where he was. It is grossly unfair," she said.

"Stuart was one of Jonathan's closest friends and would not have deliberately hurt him.

"He has to be banned from driving for a long time but I see no purpose in him receiving a lengthy prison sentence Jonathan wouldn't have wanted that. It will not bring my wonderful son back."

Defending, Nicholas Dunham said Armstrong now suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.

"The loss of his best friend is the most poignant feature of this sad case."

"Mr Dunn's death will never leave him; it has been utterly devastating for him."

Sentencing Armstrong, who sobbed throughout the hearing, Judge Samuel Wiggs said: "I am quite satisfied you were driving at least at 100mph. Two people were seriously injured. Your dangerous driving has had a terrible effect on their lives as well as taking a life and devastating the lives of Jonathan Dunn's loved ones.

"His mother has generously said she sees no point in a lengthy prison sentence but I have to do my public duty."

Armstrong was banned from driving for five years and ordered to take an extended driving test.