Drunk biker escapes jail after father's plea
Father begs judge for non-custodial sentence - even though his own son was killed in accident
A DRUNK BIKER whose friend was killed in a crash while riding pillion has been spared jail, after the father of the deceased pleaded with the judge for a non-custodial sentence.
Ross Humphreys, 30, from Kent, took his best friend, Arran Nadal, pillion without a helmet when he lost control of his 600cc Honda on May 6 last year. Mr Nadal died as a result of the accident. The court heard that Humphreys was nearly twice over the legal drink drive limit.
Prior to sentencing, a statement was read out from Mr Nadal's father, retired fireman John Nadal, in which he begged for mercy for Humphreys. He said:
"As Christians, we beg you from the bottom of our hearts not to give him a prison sentence, but to pardon Ross and allow him home to his family."
Humphreys was convicted of drink driving but cleared of causing death by dangerous driving while under the influence of drink. He was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay legal costs of £500.
