RELATIVES of a pensioner who died in a hit-and-run road accident are planning to bring a private prosecution against the two suspects.

Keith Mulligan wants justice for his father Jimmy, who died two years ago after he was knocked down by car.

Robert Wade and Christopher Eade were both in the Sierra Sapphire, but neither have been prosecuted because it cannot be proved who was driving.

Mr Mulligan, 73, was standing at a bus stop with a friend in Windy Nook, Gateshead, in May 2002 when the car hit him.

Gateshead coroner Terence Carney recorded a verdict of unlawful killing at his inquest last year.

The hearing was told heroin addicts Webber and Eade had both taken drugs the night before the incident.

When it happened, they fled the scene leaving Mr Mulligan to die.

Webber, 22, of Wardle Gardens, Felling, was before Newcastle Crown Court on Friday for a robbery a Newcastle's Gate complex last November.

He was sentenced to nine months but walked free because he had been in custody since the robbery.

As well as bringing a private prosecution, Keith Mulligan wants to see the law changed so drivers cannot escape punishment because of a legal anomaly.

Gateshead and Washington MP Joyce Quin is backing him and has spoken to Home Secretary David Blunkett about the case.