fined following a crash in which two of his best friends died.

The Supreme Court heard yesterday that Pinkney, of Beacon Hill Road, was driving his motorbike when he swerved to avoid colliding with another vehicle.

Another motorbike with passenger Zalita Hunt, 18, and driver Kioshi Edwards, 19, was almost right behind and were driven onto the curb as Pinkney swerved back.

They came off and sustained multiple injuries and were later pronounced dead, the court heard.

Pinkney had pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and yesterday he was fined $800 and banned from driving any vehicle for two years by Chief Justice, the Hon. Mr. Justice Ward.

Prosecutor, Mr. Khamisi Tokumbo, told the court that on April 20, last year, Pinkney and Miss Hunt and Mr. Edwards were seen riding their bikes at speeds of up to 50 and 60 m.p.h., sometimes on the wrong side of the road, overtaking about 20 vehicles.

"Pinkney was riding in front and as the two cycles prepared to negotiate a right hand bend, he cut a corner and was on the wrong side of the road. He had to swerve back to avoid a collision with an on-coming vehicle.

"The other two were nearly behind Pinkney and were forced onto the curb. It resulted in Mr. Edwards losing control and he and Miss Hunt were thrown off the bike and sustained multiple injuries,'' said Mr. Tokumbo.

After the crash Pinkney, who has a child, called for help and Miss Hunt and Mr. Edwards were taken to hospital, but were later pronounced dead. Excessive speed was the major cause of the accident, said Mr. Tokumbo.

"Pinkney admitted speeding and being on the wrong side of the road before the accident in a statement to the Police. He told Police he accepted some responsibility for the accident.'' Defending Pinkney, Mr. Archie Warner said: "They were all very, very good friends and the defendant is extremely remorseful. All the indications are that this behaviour was out of character.'' He added: "He is kind to his parents and he is responsible. He was working at the time of the offence and his job has been kept open for him.'' Before being sentenced, Pinkney said: "I would like to apologise for everything. I have learnt my lesson.''