A MAN convicted of killing a Bleadon woman by driving dangerously has been jailed for more than two years – a sentence her parents say does little to compensate for the grief it has caused them.

Weston Mercury: Alice Hicks.Alice Hicks. (Image: Archant)

Daniel Day was found guilty of causing the death of 27-year-old Alice Hicks after a week’s trial at Taunton Crown Court and on Friday he was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison.

Alice, a former Broadoak pupil, died after her Mini Cooper collided with another vehicle on the A38 near Rooksbridge in September 2011. The Mini was being driven by 34-year-old Day.

Alice’s father Raymond Hicks, aged 79, spoke to The Mercury after Day was handed the sentence and a five-year driving ban, and said a review needs to be made into the law regarding driving offences.

Mr Hicks, of Bleadon Hill, said: “We are pleased that Daniel Day, who drove Alice to her death, has received punishment for the way in which he drove her car.

“Nothing will replace her and we will never recover from losing her in a completely unnecessary accident caused by his criminally irresponsible driving.”

During the trial last month the court heard how Day, of Old Church Road in Lower Weare, had driven the car at ‘excessive speeds’ of up to 80mph before losing control on a blind bend.

Just before the crash, a Mercedes van had stopped to turn right into Biddisham and Day swerved and smashed into a Mazda driving in the opposite direction.

Alice, who was months away from graduating from an accountancy course at Weston College, was flung from the car.

She was taken to Frenchay Hospital in Bristol, where she died later that day from head injuries.

Mr Hicks also spoke about how the incident and ensuing legal process has caused him and his wife Yvonne, along with the rest of Alice’s family, deep distress. They have had to receive medical treatment and counselling to cope with day-to-day life without their ‘beautiful and talented’ daughter.

He said: “It is about time that UK law recognised that a motor vehicle in the hands of an irresponsible driver is as lethal as a gun or knife.

“Where responsibility is clear the individual should be arrested immediately, and their driving licence and passport removed.

“While all Alice’s family were suffering in deep grief, particularly on the anniversary of her death and over two Christmases, Daniel Day was allowed to spend the time in the bosom of his family.

“A review of the law relating to driving offences is urgently required.”