100mph laughing gas crash teen is jailed for killing three pals

Driver is filmed inhaling nitrous oxide before ploughing into tree

- ZAHRA KHALIQ

A DRIVER who killed his three teenage passengers in a 100mph crash after inhaling laughing gas at the wheel has been jailed.

Thomas Johnson, 19, lost control of his BMW and ploughed into a tree and lamppost on a 30mph stretch of road.

Pals Daniel Hancock, 18, Ethan Goddard, 18, and Elliot Pullen, 17, died at the scene of the smash.

Shocking mobile phone footage taken inside the car moments before the tragedy shows the boys laughing and passing canisters of nitrous oxide to the front.

Johnson was seen with a balloon to his face in the video and a separate photo.

The car's tyres were heard screeching as it hurtled around a corner. The vehicle was filmed overtaking another car at more than 100mph on CCTV in June last year. Its electronic stability control had been switched off on purpose.

Johnson was jailed for nine years and four months for causing death by dangerous driving.