Friday 14 August 2009

Sentence


Howard Owen, the driver of the car that killed Kate, received a suspended custodial sentence on 14 August 2009 at Newport Crown Court of 9 months with 150 hours community service and is banned from driving for 2 years.

Owen accepted full responsibility and had already pleaded guilty. He did not use the sun as a mitigating factor. He said simply that it was a bright day and that the sun was in his eyes. He could not explain why he hadn’t seen Kate.

His legal team presented character references and the Court was told that Owen was sensitive and caring person and a considerate driver.

Given that nothing can bring Kate back, the family felt that Owen's sentence was the right one. The press were given a brief written statement.

Since the sentencing hearing Kate’s family used the services of victim support and the restorative justice scheme to facilitate a meeting with Howard Owen and his family which was felt to be positive and helpful to both parties.

The story is on the BBC Wales news pages http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8201512.stm