A GOALKEEPER who killed two children drink-driving has played his first game for Truro City Football Club.
Former Plymouth Argyle player Luke McCormick was jailed in October 2008 after he admitted causing the deaths of Arron Peak, 10, and Ben Peak, 8, on the M6 in Staffordshire having been drunk behind the wheel.
Some in Truro have reacted furiously to the goalkeeper's appearance but the administrators running the cash-strapped club offered McCormick a "warm welcome".
Kate Breese, from administrators Walsh Taylor, said: "I would like to give a warm welcome to Luke McCormick who will be a great addition to the first team at a time when we are in desperate need of players."
Truro were desperately in need of a goalkeeper after regular stopper Tim Sandercombe was injured last week. Ms Breese said McCormick was playing for Truro City for free.
She said: "Certain people may have concerns over Luke's past but his past is precisely that. Luke has served the time deemed appropriate by the judicial system and that chapter is now closed.
"Luke has been extremely remorseful but, as stated, the sentence has been served and there is no benefit to anyone in not allowing him to play the sport that he loves and has great ability at."
The prospective new owners of the club gave a more muted response.
Pete and Jason Masters, owners of the L2 nightclub, and Philip Perryman, owner of A2B taxis, put up a £50,000 bond to keep the club in the Football Conference and are in talks to complete a purchase.
In a statement they said they "had no control over that decision.
"Lee Hodges is and will remain the manager of Truro City Football Club and any future decisions on Luke will be made in conjunction with Lee and the board of directors in control at that time."
After the West Briton broke the story online one user, JohnTruroCity, wrote: "I'm a Truro City fan and will not be going again. The so-called saviours are disgusting.
"Feel so sad for the family of the boys and disgusted to be a Truro City fan. Shameful decision."
McCormick was twice the limit when the crash happened as he was returning from former team-mate David Norris's wedding in Bolton.
The mother of the dead boys, Amanda Peak, said: "I want to look him in the eye to see if he's remorseful, because that's the only way I'll be able to tell."
