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Appeal cuts sentence

20th November 2003
Page 14
Page 14, 20th November 2003 — Appeal cuts sentence
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A TRUCKER WHO left one motorist dead and others seriously injured following a crash near the Dartford Crossing has had his sentence slashed by judges.

Stephen Austin of Norwich pleaded guilty at Basildon Crown Court in August to causing the death of Patricia Filbee by dangerous driving and was handed a fiveyear sentence. However, judges in London's Court of Appeal have cut that to three years citing his -very good driving record". The accident happened in Octobei 2002, when Austin failed to sloA for well signposted roadworks anC his artic ploughed into the back ol a car driven by Filbee's husband.

Mr Justice Silber says:"He fade( to heed the advance warnings ant hit the stationary or slowing traffic Austin must have appreciated tha if his vehicle was to come into con tact with other vehicles it was verâ–  likely that serious damage wouk have arisen."

However, the judgi also points out: "W cannot remedy thi pain and sufferin Austin has inflicted o. so many people. W are not equating th punishment with th loss he has inflicted,