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Tandem crash family press for tougher sentences

The family of Ross and Clare Simons have said they will be campaigning for a change in the law to get tougher sentences for killer drivers. They said that Nicky Lovell would serve just three years' imprisonment for each life he took in the horrific crash in January this year, near Bristol.

We thank the judge for imposing the maximum sentence he could, however we feel cheated by the justice system that does not allow a longer sentence to be imposed for the tragic loss of their lives considering his past convictions. The people who took their lives will never understand what they have taken away from us and have never shown any remorse for their actions. While they will serve a few years in prison, we and those close to Ross and Clare, have been given life sentences. We are not just mourning the present but for the wonderful future they would have surely given us.

– Kelly Woodruff, sister of Ross Simons
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Tandem death families call for change to sentencing

Judge's comments on tandem death crash case

Nicholas Lovell remained emotionless throughout the proceedings.

The reading of the charges does not begin to reflect the gravity of this matter or the effect it has had on so many. The circumstances of the collision are too grim to describe now; everyone has heard them. There is no doubt that this is the most serious of offences conceivable of this type.

– Mr Justice Haddon-Cave, passing sentence.
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Sentencing for man who killed Bristol tandem couple

Ross and Clare Simons died after their tandem bike was hit by a car in Hanham Credit: Family

A disqualified driver from Bristol who admitted causing the deaths of a married couple on their tandem bike will be sentenced today.

Ross and Claire Simons were riding along Lower Hanham Road in January when they were hit by a car driven by 38-year-old Nicholas Lovell from Oldland Common. Lovell's partner Louise Cox will also be sentenced for perverting the course of justice.

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Man pleads guilty to tandem bike deaths: full report

A man who was disqualified from driving, has admitted killing a couple near Bristol, after hitting them with his car. They were out for an afternoon ride on their tandem.

Nicholas Lovell today pleaded guilty to causing the deaths of husband and wife Ross and Clare Simons, who've been described by their families as the perfect couple.

Richard Payne reports:

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Police statement on tandem deaths

Avon and Somerset Police have issued a statement following today's court case. Nicholas Lovell pleaded guilty to causing the death by dangerous driving of Ross and Clare Simons in a hit and run in Hanham near Bristol.

His partner Louise Cox has pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

On Sunday January 27 of this year, Clare and Ross Simons needlessly lost their lives following a fatal collision on Hanham High Street.This collision was caused by Nicholas Lovell, a disqualified driver who got behind the wheel of the car and drove at speed, before losing control and striking the couple while they cycled.Nicholas Lovell then ran away from the scene in a bid to escape, leaving behind Louise Cox who then deliberately and callously set out to mislead police at the scene.

– Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Williams, Avon and Somerset Police

The statement continues:

The pleas entered today by both Nicholas Lovell and Louise Cox reflect that both have taken some responsibility for the deaths of Ross and Clare. While these pleas will never bring Ross and Clare back, I hope they go some way to providing comfort for their families.We now await sentencing on May 22.

– Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Williams, Avon and Somerset Police
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