A FAMILY is calling for the law to be changed after the man who killed a much-loved grandfather walked free from court.
Brian Pattinson, 72, from Durham, died after a collision with 36-year-old Michael Bristow, of South View, Ushaw Moor, in County Durham.
Last month, he escaped jail after being given an 18-month community order with supervision and a 12-month driving ban at Consett Magistrates Court.
He had previously pleaded guilty to careless driving after telling police he was blinded by sunlight and suffered a "momentary lapse in concentration".
Now Mr Pattinson’s relatives are campaigning for mandatory custodial punishments for motorists who cause fatal accidents on the roads.
Mr Pattinson’s daughter, Kelly, 41, a finance assistant at Durham University, said: “Families like ours are seeking a review of the law, to bring about tougher sentences for drivers who kill. My dad deserved so much better.
“If like us you are disgusted by the lack of justice in this case then can I urge you to sign the online petition.”
Mr Pattinson was travelling west in a Peugeot 205 on the B6302 in Broom Lane, Ushaw Moor, shortly before 9.15am on July 17 last year.
The driver of a Seat Leon, travelling east, had indicated to turn right and had stopped.
An Audi heading in the same direction stopped behind the Seat and the VW Bora driven by Bristow collided with the rear of the Audi, before swerving head-on into the path of the Mr Pattinson’s Peugeot.
Ms Pattinson said: “Dad’s injuries were truly horrific. He had to be cut free from the wreckage of his car and was taken by air ambulance to the RVI at Newcastle.
“Myself, my brothers, and dad's girlfriend had to watch as dad died from multiple crushing injuries.”
Passing sentence the chairman of the magistrates' bench Ged Canavan said there were no mitigating or aggravating factors in the case and the sentence was in line with national guidelines.
Tragically, Mr Pattinson’s first son, Tony, was also killed by a dangerous driver in 1969, aged four.
Brian Pattingson
Ms Pattinson said: “It is just so cruel.”
To support the family log on to www.stopdangerousdrivers.com
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