A MINIBUS driver has had six points added to his licence for his part in an accident in which two young people died.

Last night, the parents of motorcyclist James Cooper, 20, and his pillion passenger Liz Munt, 20, both from Billingham, Teesside, said they were disgusted at the sentence.

They spoke out after David Patrick Cook, from Eldon Terrace, Fishburn, County Durham, was found guilty of driving without due care and attention, at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court yesterday.

A charge of failing to comply with a give-way sign was dropped.

Miss Munt's father, David, said: "He has caused both families a great deal of grief, especially at this time of year.

"As for the sentence, it is absolutely disgusting, but we understand that this is all the judge could do."

Cook was too upset to talk after the trial, but his solicitor, Nigel Barnes, said his client was upset and sorry for both families.

The court heard how Cook, 31, had collected three female passengers from Sedgefield, County Durham, just before the accident.

The incident took place at the junction of Beacon Lane and Stockton Road, on the A689, at Sedgefield, on Friday, September 5, last year. Cook said he did not see the bike.

District Judge Michael Wood ruled that the accident was Cook's fault and also fined him £250, as well as ordering him to pay £300 in costs.

He said: "I realise that this will not appease the families of the two young people who were killed, but I have to make it clear that my hands are tied."