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Court of Appeal to reconsider sentence of Leonard Pettifer for killing Michael Copleston in M20 crash

The Attorney General has ordered a re-think on the jail sentence of an 86-year-old man who killed a motorcyclist while driving the wrong way along the M20.

Leonard Pettifer was jailed for 32 months after his Ford Ka struck 60-year-old former policeman Michael Copleston, from Hawkinge.

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.

Leonard Pettifer
Leonard Pettifer

At the same time, defence lawyers for Pettifer, of Snargate Lane, Snargate, Romney Marsh, have also appealed, claiming the sentence was "manifestly excessive".

Pettifer admitted to causing the death of Mr Copleston earlier this year after he headed London-bound between junctions 9 and 10 on the wrong side - despite cars flashing at him for almost three miles.

It was then his car hit Mr Copleston's motorbike, causing it to somersault over the Ford Ka.

Michael Copleston
Michael Copleston

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 grandfather to four.

He served in the Metropolitan Police for three decades and was an advanced motorcycle and car instructor who trained other officers in road safety.

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

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