Father backs road crash deterrent

John Thompson's son Andrew died when Mark Houghton, 20, crashed after driving at 100mph near Workington in January. He was jailed for eight years.

Mr Thompson said too many people in the county drive without regard for safety.

The 27-year-old, who had only met Houghton that night, was thrown from the vehicle when it hit a grass bank.

"This is a tragic example of what happens far too often on our roads"
John Thompson

This year so far, 43 people have died on Cumbria's mostly rural roads.

Mr Thompson said: "Mark Houghton will now pay the penalty for his actions which led to serious injuries and Andrew's death. We hope that his jail sentence will serve as a deterrent to others.

"This is a tragic example of what happens far too often on our roads.

"It was not just an accident, but an accident waiting to happen because Mark Houghton made the decision to drive in the condition, manner and speed that he did that night."

'Targeted education'

Four other passengers were injured when Houghton lost control of the Mini Cooper on 29 January.

Two of those, Daniel Morton and Jade McDowell, are still in wheelchairs and are unlikely to make full recoveries, Carlisle Crown Court heard at Houghton's sentencing on Thursday.

According to Cumbria Police, the force's campaign to cut road deaths is having an impact.

A spokesman said: "The number of young people killed and seriously injured on Cumbria's roads has reduced in recent years due to targeted education."

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