It is quite understandable that Sgt Walsham’s family should want her punished, but this was an accident.

Patricia Maltby was not speaking on a mobile phone, speeding or drink-driving. She is an elderly woman who made a fatal error of judgment at a notoriously dangerous and confusing crossing.

According to the report, Sergeant Walsham was said to be driving above the speed limit. It may be that the accident would still have happened with the same result had he been driving within the speed limit, but Patricia Maltby was guilty of bad judgment, while Sgt Walsham was breaking the law.

Any motorcyclist driving above the speed limit must know they are increasing the risk to their lives.

This long sentence will not serve any purpose other than revenge. It will not bring the sergeant back or help Mrs Maltby or anyone else drive more safely. It will not act as a deterrent to other drivers.

I don’t expect the sergeant’s family are much comforted in their grief knowing that Patricia Maltby is behind bars, and she already has a life sentence of sorts in having to live with the fact that she caused someone’s death.

Many elderly and not-so elderly drivers make errors of judgment, and thankfully most do not end this way.

Belinda King

Vicary Estate

Assington