A MOTHER whose daughter was killed by a drink-driver has condemned a decision to grant him trips out of prison.

Susan Briggs, 30, of Durham; Angela Ovington, 28, of Birtley; and Victoria Fisher, 27, from Rochdale, were all killed by Allan Jackson on a night out in Huddersfield, in August 2000.

Chester-le-Street woman Louise Tinkler escaped death by climbing on to a wall to avoid Jackson's white BMW. In December 2000, he was sentenced to eight years for causing three deaths by dangerous driving.

At the time, the bereaved families condemned the punishment as insufficient and said Jackson should have been charged with manslaughter.

They were outraged when they were told of plans to move him to an open prison. Despite letters of objection he was transferred to Wealstone Jail last Christmas.

Now, according to Home Office protocol, he is being allowed out on visits to Leeds.

Susan Briggs' mother Pauline said: "In the beginning, he can go within a 15-mile radius of the prison for four hours and when he's shown he's trustworthy, it will be extended to ten hours.

"Within 18 months of going to open prison, he can apply for parole. It makes you wonder why we have a legal system at all."