Family 'devastated' by killer drug driver - and call law limiting sentence 'ridiculous'

Luke Norton, 31, caused the crash in September after staying up all night taking class A drugs.

Today he was sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison.

But Bob and Paula's family said they would face a life time of hurt as a result of his actions.

Speaking outside court, Bob's brother, Sean Ivers said: "They were a loving couple, they lived for their children. Robert served nine years in the RAF, because he wanted to contribute to society. That is the kind of guy he was.

"It has been the worst six weeks of our lives , we have found strength in each other.

"It doesn't seem to be getting any easier as the days go by."

He added: "Lexi has seemed very strong, and is coping as well as anyone possibly could, but I don't know how anyone could cope with something like that."

"There was no remorse shown

"If you have taken drugs you don't get in a three and a half tonne vehicle.

"I appreciate the judge has done what he could, basically given the maximum sentence he could, but if you break it down to eight years and eight months, he will probably serve half of that, so four years four months for ending two lives and orphaning two wonderful children . No sentence would bring them back, but the way the law stands at the moment it is ridiculous. I understand it may be changing next year but I hope at least something good that can come out of a case will be some publicity to change the law so a proper sentence can be meted out."

Angela Harper, Paula's mum, said Bob and Paula were 'the most amazing parents' to Lexi (10) and 18-month-old Elizabeth, who both survived the horror head on crash.

She said:" How do you tell the children their mother and father have died. They have lost their patents, their home, their friends and their future.

"They will not have their dad to walk them down the aisle on their wedding day, no mum to share girly secrets.

"It is not just two lives taken, it is the lives of many that loved them that have been ripped apart.

"Elizabeth will have no memories of her amazing parents. Lexi has some memories, but I am scared they will fade."

John and Patricia Bateman, Robert’s parents, said: “Our world and the rest of families was totally shattered when police rang the doorbell.

“Robert and Paula had just celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary on the 20th August this year. We really miss them both, even more when we see the children.

“Robert’s mam always said he gave the best hugs ever, he was a gentle giant and we all loved him.

“When lockdown was over they came to visit, Paula had baked a delicious cake as usual and we got to see how big the girls had grown. This was the last time we saw them. We and the family miss them very, very much. They will always be with us in our hearts.”