Thurrock Gazette Friday April 28th 2006
Fury over road killer who escaped prison
ANOTHER Thurrock family is embroiled in a fight for a change in the law to deal with killers who get off lightly.
South Ockendon man Tony O'Rourke, whose nephew was killed when he was knocked off his motorbike by a driver who was on the road illegally, is calling for Thurrock residents to support him and his family in a plight to change the law to bring justice to families.
Czech driver Marek Tomi, 23, who was on the road without a licence or insurance, admitted causing the death by careless driving of 30 year-old John Living. The incident happened in Margate on October 23 last year.
Because he admitted the offence at the first opportunity magistrates at Thanet Court, Margate, could only dish out a 200 hours community service, ban him from driving for two years and issue a £100 fine.
Mr O'Rourke, of Fortin Close, who suffered a similar tragedy when his brother Joseph was killed by a rogue driver who escaped unpunished more than 40 years ago, says his family is devastated.
Their anguish mirrors that of grieving Thurrock parents Ken and Angela Daly who are campaigning for a change in the
South Ockendon man Tony O'Rourke, whose nephew was killed when he was knocked off his motorbike by a driver who was on the road illegally, is calling for Thurrock residents to support him and his family in a plight to change the law to bring justice to families.
Czech driver Marek Tomi, 23, who was on the road without a licence or insurance, admitted causing the death by careless driving of 30 year-
Mr O'Rourke, of Fortin Close, who suffered a similar tragedy when his brother Joseph was killed by a rogue driver who escaped unpunished more than 40 years ago, says his family is devastated.
Their anguish mirrors that of grieving Thurrock parents Ken and Angela Daly who are campaigning for a change in the
VICTIM: John Living, who was mown down by a rogue driver.
law after the man who killed their son in an unprovoked street attack was put behind bars for just three and a half years after agreeing to plead guilty to manslaughter rather than face a murder charge.
Like the Dalys, Mr O'Rourke says a life has been snuffed out without real retribution. He said: "This man is going to be able to do all the things that John is not going to do. We just wanted justice. He hasn't answered for a life."
Mr O'Rourke's sister and John's
law after the man who killed their son in an unprovoked street attack was put behind bars for just three and a half years after agreeing to plead guilty to manslaughter rather than face a murder charge.
Like the Dalys, Mr O'Rourke says a life has been snuffed out without real retribution. He said: "This man is going to be able to do all the things that John is not going to do. We just wanted justice. He hasn't answered for a life."
Mr O'Rourke's sister and John's
mother, Carol, said: "A £100 fine, 200 hours community service and a two year ban for a lovely boy's life is disgusting. It's not the magistrates' fault, I don't blame the police, it's the laws."
Mr O'Rourke said he would like Thurrock's residents to come forward and show their support for a campaign to have stricter laws put in place that will ensure justice is bought to the family and friends of victims of careless driving.
Road Peace, who are spearheading the campaign, is a national charity, set up in 1992, which is dedicated to supporting the friends and families of road crash victims.
They are calling for drivers who seriously injure or kill someone on the road to be sent to prison.
If you wish to support the campaign, contact Road Peace on 0208 838 5102 or visit www.road-peace.org
Angela Daly expressed her sympathy for the family of Mr Living and agreed there were many comparisons with the death of her son, Ryan. She said: "The government have got to start taking account of grieving families and allowing them to be represented in court when these sentences are handed out."
Mr O'Rourke said he would like Thurrock's residents to come forward and show their support for a campaign to have stricter laws put in place that will ensure justice is bought to the family and friends of victims of careless driving.
Road Peace, who are spearheading the campaign, is a national charity, set up in 1992, which is dedicated to supporting the friends and families of road crash victims.
They are calling for drivers who seriously injure or kill someone on the road to be sent to prison.
If you wish to support the campaign, contact Road Peace on 0208 838 5102 or visit www.road-
