THE families of two young horse riders injured when a driver crashed into them have reacted angrily to his sentence.

Kenneth Bailey, 53, of Geneva Crescent, Darlington, had pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention in the town's Neasham Road, in December.

Last month, Darlington magistrates were told how 16-year-old Gemma Roper and 14-year-old Jennifer Nelson were injured when riding their horses, Tizzy and Storm, towards stables in Neasham Road

Bailey's van crashed into the two horses and, following the accident, both animals had to be put down.

Yesterday, at Darlington Magistrates' Court, Bailey was fined £160, ordered to pay £55 costs, and his licence was endorsed with six points.

Jennifer's mother, Elaine, who saw the accident, said: "We cannot believe he has got such a light sentence.

"Jennifer is a changed girl and blames herself for the accident.

"One stupid mistake has ripped out a huge part of our lives and we do not think he has been punished."

Mrs Nelson said Jennifer had not been able to return to Haughton School since the accident and had been told by a counsellor that it could be months before she recovers emotionally.

She said: "She does not see any of her friends and will not go out without me.

"She has ridden twice since the accident, but was terrified."

Gemma's father, Keith Roper, said that although his daughter was ready to get back in the saddle, her injuries were preventing her from riding.

He said: "Gemma is still wearing a back brace and cannot get back to the horses she loves."

Stephen Andrews, in mitigation, said his client had expressed sincere remorse and was most upset that the horses had to be put down and that the girls were injured.

Mr Andrews said it was raining and turning dark when the accident happened and visibility was poor.

He went on to say that although the girls were wearing fluorescent clothing, they were not clearly visible.