Widow's fears over killer's release date
The widow of a Lincolnshire cyclist killed by a teenage driver fears that he could be released next week.
Ann Dolby says 20-year-old Thomas Duffield who ploughed into her husband Leigh (54) killing him instantly in August 2007 may only serve one quarter of his year-long sentence.
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Thomas Duffield.
And she described the 12-month sentence imposed in the case as "a joke" after Appeal Court Judges refused to increase it yesterday.
Mrs Dolby from North Hykeham, near Lincoln, was at The Royal Courts of Justice in London where an application to raise the sentence was rejected.
"Nothing is going to bring Leigh back but Mr Duffield could be out next week and able to get on with his life," said Mrs Dolby (54).
"If so he'll be tagged until August and then able to return to university.
"I would have liked him to have experienced a Christmas while separated from his family and friends like we have had to and will do forever."
Duffield's case, together with that of Lincolnshire driver Nigel Gresham and a third one from outside the county were referred to the Court of Appeal on the grounds that they were 'unduly lenient'. All three applications to increase the prison sentences were rejected.
Neither Duffield nor Gresham were in court although members of their families were.
For more on the cases, see Friday's Echo.
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by rachel, lincoln
Monday, May 11 2009, 8:05AM
“LYNN- you don't really seem to know what u are talking about love. your saying that duffield should have got a longer sentence because he used his mobile whilst driving and yet it was proven that his mobile had nothing to do with the case and yet you go on about poor old gresham who has to live with his life for what he has done yet he intentially knew that his car was faulty and took his family out in it!!! Duffield doens't need your harsh comments and you should get to know your facts before posting comments on here!!!”
by josie, Lincoln
Tuesday, May 05 2009, 11:03AM
“If people are going to comment on this story please can you at least make sure you have the names of the parties involved correct, especially the deceased man's name please?”
by Anon, Sheffield
Friday, May 01 2009, 4:35PM
“I¿m sorry but reading this has angered me, as people who have commented obviously are unaware of actually what happened regarding the accident.
It was true that Duffield was on his phone earlier on during the journey which is a crime that many people commit, however the mobile phone had no connection with the collision, and that is why the mobile phone evidence was omitted from court. So the accident was not a direct cause of using his mobile phone.
For all the people that do know Duffield which I presume none of you actually do, he didn¿t blatantly lie, and he doesn¿t deserve the comments that being made, this case was described as a tragic accident by the judge and could have happened to anyone. Would these comments still be made if Duffield was a sixty year old woman?
What actually would be achieved by increasing his sentence, it wouldn¿t alter anything and certainly wouldn¿t achieve anything.
I put it to everyone that efforts shouldn¿t be put into slating Duffield but into encouraging the use of more street lights or introduce laws that actually improve the appearance of cyclists so that something like this doesn¿t happen again.”
by Karen, Lincoln
Friday, May 01 2009, 4:23PM
“This decision by the Lord Chief Justice, against the advice of the CPS, is a disgrace.
Leigh deserved better than this. He was a kind, witty and gentle human being who didn't deserve to be killed in this way.
One can only hope that Mr Duffield leaves his mobile phone at home in future.
Frankie might think that Leigh's family should "get over it" and that closure is needed, but Ann Dan and Toni will not have closure for a very long time. They, in common with an awful lot of people, loved him.
To kill another human being and be free after such a short period of time is not justice.
Mr Duffy broke the law. Seemingly the price for that does not reflect the consequences of that blatant disregard for the law of this land.
Quite rightly, Mr Duffield will have this killing on his conscience for a very long time.
Rest in peace Leigh, our thoughts are with your family.”
by Lincoln, Lincoln
Friday, May 01 2009, 4:20PM
“And if the police bothered to do anything about all the people always driving on their mobile phones, things like that wouldn't happen. See like 10 people driving while phoning on my way it to work everyday, nothing ever done!!”