Death driver’s bid to reverse jail sentence is crass

David Shields turned his recovery truck into a lethal weapon the moment he picked up his mobile phone while driving.

And let’s remember, he didn’t just glance at his phone. He spent 18 long seconds scrolling through music before ploughing into Yvonne Blackman’s car.

This wasn’t a momentary lapse. This was recklessness in the extreme; recklessness no different from drink driving or hammering along the road at 100mph.

That is what makes Shield’s decision to appeal his jail sentence so appallingly crass.

He was given five years and, no doubt, would have been back on the streets after serving just half of that tariff. So why does he feel hard done by?

Indeed the regret and contrition he appeared to show in court are now exposed as empty gestures.

If Shields had any shred of decency left, he would accept his punishment for a crime that claimed the life of a muchloved wife, mother and granny.

Shields will, in the future, get the chance to see his family again. He will enjoy Christmases, birthdays and other happy occasions.

Yvonne Blackman won’t have that opportunity.

Her husband Ralph will have to endure those events alone, without the love of his life by his side.

Drivers who cause such accidents – where they show blatant and consistent disregard for safety – have to accept their crimes are little different from stabbing someone with a knife or beating them to death in the street.

The impact of their actions are no different. An innocent member of society loses their life and their families’ lives are blighted by tragedy.

So, Mr Shields, please think of Yvonne Blackman, think of Ralph Blackman, think of their children and grandchildren and do your time.