February 29, 2008
Text driver jailed for bike death
Another reminder, not to text and drive. It can ruin too many lives.
A motorist who was texting on her mobile phone when she hit and killed a cyclist has been sentenced to four years in prison. The BBC reports.
"Jordan Wickington, 19, died from head injuries when he went through a red light and was struck by Kiera Coultas' car in Southampton in February 2007.
Judge Jeremy Burford also banned her from driving. "The serious part of your conduct was that you were sending a text on your mobile phone having just received one," he said.
Sgt Alyson West, of Hampshire Constabulary, said the ruling would hopefully discourage others from using their mobile phones while driving.
"Today's sentence will not bring back Jordan Wickington. However, it will hopefully help to deter drivers who continue to flout the law by using their mobile phones while driving.
"The answer is quite simple - don't use your mobile phone and drive. Nothing is so important that it can't wait until you stop or arrive safely at your destination."
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