‘How can you value a life?’ - Family say 18 months is not enough for driver who killed father-of-two
Luke Ware was killed after a lorry stuck his car. Picture: Submitted - Credit: Archant
The sister of a father-of-two who died in a lorry crash has criticised his killer’s 18-month sentence.
The Foulden Road, near Didlington, where Luke Ware died in a collision between his 4x4 vehicle and a HGV. Picture: Simon Parkin - Credit: Simon Parkin
Plumber Luke Ware, 29, from Foulden, near Thetford died when a lorry driven by Grigore Anton crossed into the opposite lane on Foulden Road, Didlington, on October 9, 2018.
Anton was jailed for 18 months and disqualified from driving for 24 months for causing death by careless driving.
Mr Ware's sister, Alex Gillings, 37, who grew up in Norfolk but now lives in Hackney, London, said she was dismayed at the sentence but said the family was now trying to focus their energy on supporting his children.
The barber said: "It's not enough, how can you value a life? Police were incredible they did their upmost to get a conviction and to get a sentencing.
Luke Ware with his children Tyler and Ruby. Picture: Submitted - Credit: Archant
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"We don't feel it's enough but it's the justice system. We have to get to the point now where we focus our energy on his children, and giving them as full a life as we can.
"If we focus too much on the injustice then it would just lead to anger."
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The Ware family hosted a fundraising page which raised £2,000 for Mr Ware's children, Tyler, seven, and Ruby, six. The funds will go towards giving the youngsters opportunities that others have during their childhood.
"It was really humbling," Mrs Gillings added, "it reached people that I went to school with that I haven't seen in 20 years. It touched people's hearts because it was so tragic and unnecessary, it didn't need to happen."
Sentencing Anton, 47, on Tuesday, May 28, at Norwich Crown Court, Judge Stephen Holt said "no words" could describe the loss of Mr Ware's family.
"Luke was a brilliant brother," Mrs Gillings added, "anyone will tell you he would always put a smile on your face, whether you were related or not.
"He was my youngest brother of six brothers and sisters so we were particularly close. He confided in me and I confided in him.
"Devastated doesn't even cover it. It was just horrendously tragic, it's the only way I can describe it."
In a victim impact statement read out in court, Mr Ware's mother, Karen, said: "His death has left a hole in our lives which cannot be filled."
