A computer consultant jailed for 18 months for causing the death of his fiance's sister in a car smash has had his sentence reduced.

Steven Whiting was jailed at Oxford Crown Court in August this year for causing Helen Motion's death by dangerous driving.

But at a hearing at London's Criminal Appeal Court, the sentence was cut to 12 months.

Miss Motion was his girlfriend's sister and, since the tragic accident, Whiting's fiance has broken off their engagement.

The court heard that, on October 6 last year, Whiting, 22, picked up Miss Motion, 23, at Gloucester Green bus station in Oxford after she missed her bus home. However, Whiting, who worked for Elsevier Science in Kidlington, crashed while driving back to the home they shared with his fiance Kate in Bideford Green, Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire.

The court was told that his Subaru skidded and crashed off Merton Road at Ambrosden, near Bicester. Miss Motion died as a result of head and spine injuries.

Mr Justice Nelson told the Appeal Court: "Having taken into account all matters, and particularly what Whiting has lost, we are of the view that an appropriate sentence is one of 12 months."

Reports showed Whiting was having recurring nightmares reliving the accident and was showing signs of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Story date: Wednesday 22 December

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