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Our presenter Ian Axton talks to Kingswood MP Chris Skidmore.

Tandem death families call for change to sentencing

Ross Simons' sister Kelly Woodruff speaking to the media after the sentencing of Nicholas Lovell.

Tandem death families call for change to sentencing

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

Tandem death families call for change to sentencing

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.

Tandem death families call for change to sentencing

Nicholas Lovell pleaded guilty to causing the deaths of Ross and Clare Simons by dangerous driving.

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Nicholas Lovell has been sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison and has been banned from driving for life.

Tandem death families call for change to sentencing

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.

Tandem death families call for change to sentencing

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: