46-year-old father handed out nine-month suspended sentence over death of daughter in quadbike crash
A FATHER has been given a nine-month suspended prison sentence, after admitting manslaughter over the death of his daughter in quad bike crash.
Gary Cooke, 46, from Blackmore, Essex, was also banned from riding quad bikes on public roads for two years. Elizabeth was killed on Boxing Day 2007 when the quad bike she was driving collided with a Range Rover.
Prosecutor Stephen Harvey QC said Elizabeth had ridden a 50cc bike with a 12mph speed limit but wasn't familiar with the 100cc quad bikes she received for Christmas.
"This tragic incident was a direct result of the defendant's gross negligence," said Mr Harvey.
Annette Henry, defending for Mr Cooke, said her client always held himself responsible for his daughter's death.
"Clearly this is a tragic accident which has absolutely devastated the Cooke family and one for which Mr Cooke holds himself responsible. He clearly will never forgive himself for what has happened. He is already living a life sentence."
