Reading man calls for changes to motorcycle crash claim laws

03/03/2010

A Reading man, whose son was killed by in a road traffic accident while riding his motorcycle, has met with justice minister Jack Straw in a bid to change the laws relating to claims against those who are sentenced for dangerous driving.

Jim Alston, 54, called on the government minister to amend the legislation surrounding a motorcycle crash claim or any road traffic accident, the Reading Post reported.

Currently, victims' families are unable to claim costs against defendants where they are found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

Mr Alston's son Bobby, 25, was killed when he was hit by a car while riding his motorbike. The man behind the wheel of the car, Bozhidar Lliev, was sentenced to 18 months in jail for causing death by dangerous driving.

The publication noted that Mr Alston was accompanied by his local MP, Rob Wilson, who also arranged a debate about the issue of compensation and sentencing in road traffic accident cases.

New guidance relating to sentencing of causing death by dangerous driving offences was published in January 2008.

In its report, the Sentencing Guidelines Council noted that there is "much to be learned" from the experiences of victims' relatives, many of whom express "dissatisfaction" with the entire legal process. ADNFCR-2875-ID-19647089-ADNFCR