RELATIVES of a much-loved grandfather have expressed their disappointment after the motorist who accidentally killed him was spared prison.

Michael Bristow, 36, of South View, Ushaw Moor, County Durham, walked free from Consett Magistrates'Court yesterday(Thursday, April 25) after he was given an 18-month community supervision order and a 12-month driving ban.

Brian Pattinson was travelling west in a Peugeot 205 on the B6302 in Broom Lane, Ushaw Moor, near Durham, shortly before 9.15am on July 17 last year when the crash took place.

The driver of a Seat Leon, travelling east, had indicated to turn right at a picnic site and had stopped.

An Audi heading in the same direction stopped behind the Seat and the VW Bora driven by Bristow collided with the rear of the Audi, before swerving head-on into the path of the Mr Pattinson’s Peugeot.

The 72-year-old, of Oswald Court, Durham City, died the following morning.

Bristow told police he had been blinded by sunlight and did not see the stationary cars until it was too late.

He previously pleaded guilty to a single charge of causing the death by careless driving.

In court his solicitor, Angus Westgarth, read out a letter from him to Mr Pattinson’s family.

He said: “If I could change it I would. I know how it feels to lose someone so close. I know how devastating it is.

“I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart.”

Chairman of the magistrates’ bench Ged Canavan said there were no mitigating or aggravating factors in the case and the sentence was in line with national guidelines.

But after the hearing the family issued a statement saying they believe Mr Pattinson has been let down.

They said: “Until the law changes and recognises that death caused by careless driving deserves nothing less than a manslaughter charge, then many more victims and loved ones will suffer the way we are.

“Brian was killed and our world has been shattered.

“Our lives are sadder and emptier places without him. He deserved so much more.”