David Sheridan, 22, from Edinburgh was twice the drink drive limit when he crashed into a stationary car in Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh on 16 December last year.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard that after the crash Sheridan emerged from his own vehicle and lit a cigarette - making no attempt to go to the other car.

Lord Abernethy deferred sentence until next month for the preparation of a background report and continued his bail.

Sheridan was almost double the legal limit

During the trial, the court heard that Sheridan drove at speeds of up to 58mph in a 30mph zone and failed to stop at a "Give Way" on Corstorphine Road.

Seconds later his Vauxhall Senator ploughed into a stationary car, killing work colleagues Lorraine Griffin and Letitia Gillick and seriously injuring Miss Griffin's partner, Alan McIntyre.

All three had been returning from a Christmas party at the time.

The court was told that Ms Gillick, of East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire died in the crash.

Miss Griffin was very badly injured but later died from an "overwhelming head injury".

Released on bail

Mr McIntyre sustained shoulder, neck and back injuries and has not returned to work.

Sheridan, who suffered a fractured breastbone in the crash, was later breathalysed and found to have an alcohol breath count of 66 microgrammes - almost double the legal limit.

During the trial he also admitted to driving while more than double the permitted drink limit weeks before the crash.

Defence counsel Donald Findlay QC confirmed that Sheridan had surrendered his driver's licence, which was a condition of his release on bail after the crash, and had no intention of driving.