Court blunder heartache (From Barry And District News)

Court blunder heartache

A COURT blunder has caused a grieving Barry family more heartache, as they continue their opposition to a drink-driver s application to have his licence back early.

Roger and Kerry Palmer lost their 18-year-old son Aaron after he was struck by the car of Thomas Barker on Boxing Day 2003.

Barker, now aged 20, of Beaufort Way, Rhoose, admitted drink-driving, while being twice the limit.

He was sentenced to four months in a young offenders unit - and served eight weeks - and was banned from driving for three years.

He is now appealing to have his licence back a year early, which has caused Mr and Mrs Palmer more pain.

The latest delay, the case s third adjournment, was caused because the court had not told Barker the date of the hearing.

Mr Palmer said: Somebody s not doing their job right. This is the third time now.

The grief-stricken father has been campaigning vigorously against Barker s licence appeal and has collected hundreds of signatures with a petition.

He added: Why should he have his licence back? Was Aaron s life only worth eight weeks?

Anthony Seculery, Clerk to the Justices at Barry Magistrates Court, said that he believed the delay was down to an administrative error and that the court would make every effort to insure the case will be heard at the soonest occasion.

He said: Barry magistrates very much regrets any inconvenience caused to the Palmer family by the adjournment of this case.

The issue is now due before Barry Magistrates Court on May 12.