A man convicted in a car crash that killed four people has been sentenced to six years in prison.

Benjamin Brian Hughes, now 31, will also be banned from driving for 15 years.

Hughes was behind the wheel of a speeding Cadillac side-by-side with a BMW on Highway 1 in January 2006 when the BMW collided with a slower-moving vehicle.

The BMW crashed into a light pole - splitting the vehicle in two.

Brothers Nick and Tadija Jozik, 28 and 25, died instantly. Passengers James Jasamanidse and Christopher Michas, 26, died in hospital a short time later.

A fifth passenger, Phil Miller, miraculously survived.

It was found Hughes was driving 140 km/h or more in a speed zone limit of 80 km/h. He fled the scene.

In court Monday, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Allan Stewart said Hughes' driving directly contributed to the group's death.

Handing him a six-year sentence for four counts of criminal negligence causing death, Stewart described Hughes as a scofflaw with a history of drinking and driving.

"When behind the wheel [he] is a danger to the public."

Although Hughes was not found to be drinking the night of the crash, Stewart said he "had a problem with alcohol but had fallen off the wagon." Stewart said the sentence was fair given the offender's history of prior relevant offences, failure to demonstrate remorse and that he "tried to throw police off the scent."

The Crown had asked for a seven and a half year jail term. The defence called for a conditional sentence.

Hughes declined to comment after his sentencing.

Reaction

Family and friends of the victims attended the sentencing. Outside the court, Anna Jukcic, the aunt of the Jozik brothers, hugged several of the other mothers and wept.

Jukcic said the sentencing means very little for the families.

"It doesn't bring our boys back," she said.

"He's going to serve his few years and our kids are never coming back so how could it ever be the same?"

Her sentiment was echoed by Phil Michas, whose son Christopher was killed.

"I don't think he gets it. Maybe in four years he'll think about it."

Phil Miller, the sole survivor of the crash, told CTV News although his physical injuries are long over, the impact of the crash is still at the front of his mind.

"I think about it every day."

Crown Counsel Ralph Keefer told CTV News Monday afternoon Hughes has already appealed his sentence and will make a court appearance tomorrow.