Driver 'tagged' after cyclist death

Boffey was caught driving by a freelance photographer

A teenager who defied a driving ban imposed after a cyclist was killed has been given an 18-month rehabilitation order.

James Boffey, from Liverpool, will also be electronically tagged to make sure he complies with a three-month curfew.

Boffey was banned from driving after 15-year-old Anthony Wakelin died when he was hit by the defendant's speeding car in Wool, Dorset in October 2002.

Anthony Wakelin's sister Natalie, who was in court, said afterwards she was disappointed the 19-year-old Boffey was not given a custodial sentence.

No licence

Before the death of Anthony Wakelin, Boffey had already amassed a total of £1,400 in driving fines, despite never having even taken a driving test.

He was convicted of driving without due care and attention and given a two-year ban and a £200 fine in 2002.

However, Liverpool Magistrates' Court heard he was twice spotted driving in May 2003 by a national newspaper reporter and a freelance photographer.

I was disappointed because he wasn't given the full six months that you can get Anthony Wakelin's sister, Natalie

Prosecutor David Evans said: "He was seen to leave his house, get into a vehicle and drive away."

Boffey, of Signal Works Road, Fazakerley, pleaded guilty last month to driving twice while disqualified.

Chairman of the magistrates, John Smith, told Boffey the court had taken into account the fact he had served seven weeks in custody since his arrest on 17 June.

Boffey will be tagged until November, to ensure he stays at his home between 2000 BST and 0800 BST each night.

Speaking outside court, Anthony Wakelin's sister, Natalie, said she had hoped Boffey would be jailed.

She said: "I was disappointed because he wasn't given the full six months that you can get, but then he did plead guilty.

"I'm happy that he's having to do community service and he is being electronically tagged.

"I'm hoping, maybe, due to this he will begin to learn his lesson and realise what he's done."

Jim Knight, MP for South Dorset said: "I would have liked to see a custodial sentence - as I understand it the maximum sentence for driving while disqualified is 6 months in prison, and I think that is appropriate in this case."