Adam Anguige, 26, of White Lee Road, was found guilty of causing the deaths by dangerous driving of school friends 16-year-old Ursula Alokolaro, of Heckmondwike, 15-year-old Gemma Cost of Fountains Avenue, Healey, and Natalie Donlan, of Dewsbury, at a trial in January.

Bradford Crown Court heard on Friday, at his sentencing, how he raced the driver of the girls' car James Houston through a built-up area in a reckless game of cat and mouse.

Judge Christopher Prince, said: "The loss caused to the girls' family and friends was permanent and immeasurable, your punishment is temporary and measurable; measurable in years."

The trial had heard how he was driving his blue Vauxhall Nova at speeds of up to 90mph on a 40mph road in Huddersfield while in a race with James Houston, whom he did not know, in his silver Ford Fiesta.

Because of his injuries Houston, 27, was deemed unfit to stand trial on the charges of dangerous driving, but the court ruled he was responsible for causing the deaths.

Anguige was driving down Wakefield Road towards Huddersfield when he became aware of a car behind him, indicating for him to pull over.

But as he slowed down the Fiesta sped past, with the passengers making rude gestures.

Anguige set off after Houston and overtook him but then Houston bumped him from behind and tried to overtake him as he was passing a Range Rover. At that point they were three abreast in the road.

Houston tried to overtake the Nova again, but he hit the side of the car and lost control, crashing into an oncoming lorry.

The crash left the three girls dead and the lorry driver, Houston and his passenger seriously injured.

Anguige initially left the scene but returned a short time later and was arrested the following day.

He pleaded not guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, claiming he slowed down well before Houston's car hit the lorry.

Judge Christopher Prince said: "Your driving was extremely aggressive. As you passed the Range Rover you held your position and forced the Fiesta to stay on the other side of the carriageway.

"Houston saw the lorry and tried to pull to the left but you deliberately held your line and speed, you stopped him from avoiding the collision.

"You shouldn't have pursued him, or took up the gauntlet when his car came into you. You should have pulled over and stopped.

"I accept that no sentence that I have the power to pass could ever reflect sufficiently the tragic loss suffered by parents and families; of the tragic loss of three young ladies and who themselves had so much to offer the world."

Houston will be sentenced on July 4 after further hospital assessments.

Anguige was told he would serve 10 years concurrently for each death, minus the 99 days he has already served in custody, and would be banned from driving for a further 10 years.