Villagers in Upper Heyford are frustrated that their warnings about teenagers tearing around in untaxed cars were not taken seriously enough by police.

They believe that Dr Margaret Davidson might still be alive today if officers had used their powers to seize the car of Nolan Haworth, the illegal driver who killed her.

The police, for their part, have made it clear the force had not yet applied the relevant new rules in May, when the tragedy happened.

The episode has raised deep-seated, and common, fears among ordinary people that their concerns may not always be given due weight by the police.

The force must strive harder than ever to put such fears at rest.

But neither they nor the villagers bear responsibility for Dr Davidson's death.

The blame lies firmly at the feet of Haworth, who has four years at Her Majesty's pleasure to contemplate his despicable crime.