90-year-old motorist's jail term suspended
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 12-MONTH jail sentence on a 90-year-old motorist who killed a six-year-old girl and her grandmother as they crossed the road was suspended by the Court of Appeal yesterday.
Stanley Casson became Britain's oldest prisoner when he was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court last month after he admitted causing the death of Bridget Wood, 78, and her granddaughter Hollie-Rose Williams by dangerous driving.
But within hours Casson was released on bail, pending appeal. Lord Justice Kennedy said yesterday: "Nothing that any court can do can assuage the grief of those whose relatives were killed. But the public interest in this extremely unusual case will not be served by this man having actually to serve the sentence passed upon him."
Casson had maintained an unblemished record since he began driving aged 17. He was described as a "model citizen" who was full of remorse and now in such poor health that a prison sentence could kill him.
He told police he could not explain why he failed to see the pedestrians, although he said he did not like driving at night.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments