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Charity anger over sentence
Page 22
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A ROAD safety charity has attacked a judge's decision not to jail a truck driver who caused the death of a retired church minister's wife.
Richard Bachelor admitted dangerous driving at Southampton Crown Court in November 2003. The court heard how 40year-old Bachelor cut a corner on the B3078 between Brook and Godshill in the New Forest and crossed into the path of retired United Reform Church minister Graham Long. Long swerved to avoid the collision but his wife, Sheila, died in the accident.
The court had heard that Bachelor had not been speeding, was not talking on his mobile phone and had a clear view of the road before turning on to the B3078. Judge Christopher Leigh said there was no reason why this accident should have happened, other than the "human failing" in not seeing them. He gave Bachelor a 12-month suspended sentence and banned him from driving for two years.
However, a spokesman for charity group Brake says people who drive for work should be aware of their duty of care towards other road users and causing a death by dangerous driving is "the most serious breach of this responsibility".
He adds: "Brake wants to see judges routinely respect the range of their powers and hand down sentences that are appropriately severe."