‘The law is not on your side’

Lee Baker, who had taken cannabis, was driving at a speed greatly in excess of that which would have been considered safe given the weather and traffic conditions. His actions that day led to the tragic and untimely death of Louise Cooper.

Miss Cooper's mother Julie Willis and stepfather Rees branded the sentence a 'disgrace'. Mrs Willis, 46, of South Ockendon, Essex, said: "Louise was only worth 14 months. We're absolutely devastated. The law is not on your side.

Baker was banned from driving for three years, after which he will have to retake his test.