M20 death: sentence appealed

Now the case from Canterbury Crown Court has been referred to the Court of Appeal in London to consider if the sentence was “unduly lenient” for causing death by driving dangerously.

At the same time, defence lawyers for Pettifer, of Snargate Lane, Snargate, Romney Marsh, have appealed the sentence – claiming it was “manifestly excessive”.

Pettifer admitted to causing the death of Mr Copleston earlier this year after he headed Londonbound between Junctions 9 and 10 near Ashford on the wrong side – and with cars flashing at him for almost three miles.

Eventually, his car hit Mr Copleston’s motorbike, causing it to somersault over the Ford Ka.

Pettifer wasn’t wearing glasses at the time and he was travelling above the speed limit.

Mr Copleston was a devoted husband to his wife Pauline of 39 years, a father to two and grand- father to four.

He served in the Metropolitan Police for three decades and was an advanced motorcycle and car instructor.

Judge Heather Norton adjusted Pettifer’s driving ban under the Slip Rule, meaning that he is disqualified for 11 years and eight months.

During the original court hearing, Mr Copleston’s widow’s impact statement revealed she had to sell their Hawkinge home, as Mr Copleston was the ‘breadwinner’.

She also urged the DVLA to carry out a review of all drivers over 70.

Investigating officer Derek Mole, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Kent Police, said: “Pettifer was completely unfit to drive.

“Motorists have to hold themselves to account. If you’re unfit to drive, don’t step behind the wheel.”

Left: Michael Copleston and his wife Pauline. Right: Leonard Pettifer, jailed for driving the wrong way along the M20, causing the death of Mr Copleston