Memorial tree to be planted in Reading to honour two cyclists killed by drunk driver in stolen car

A memorial tree is to be planted to honour two men who were killed by a drink driver in a stolen car in a crash in Berkshire.

Alexander Farrar Walter, 31, had over twice the blood alcohol limit and had used cocaine within the 24 hours before he hit and killed John Morland, 30, and Kris Jarvis, 39, on February 13 this year.

Mr Jarvis's fiancée Tracey Fidler told the BBC that the men’s employer, Reading Borough Council, has agreed to pay for the tree and a plaque to be placed in the town’s Kensington Park, where Mr Jarvis spent a lot of time with his dogs.

Ms Fidler said: "You can't put down in words how incredible the two men were. He did everything for everybody round here," she said.

Both men were keen riders. Kris Jarvis had five children and was planning to wed Tracey next year. John Morland had two children and had set a date for his marriage to fiancée Hayley Lindsay in May 2016.

Walter, of Purley on Thames, Berkshire, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to ten years and three months in jail.

Walter took his partner’s black convertible without permission after an argument and lost control while doing 70mph in a 30mph zone. The two cyclists he hit were on a footpath and wearing helmets when he ploughed into them.

He also pleaded guilty to other offences including aggravated vehicle-taking, driving while disqualified, and driving while uninsured.

Walter was also banned for driving for 15 years and will have to pass an extended test.