Shropshire driver jailed for causing death by dangerous driving

A Shropshire man has been jailed for three years for causing the death of a friend by dangerous driving.

Ryan Langford, 21, of Whitburn Street, Bridgnorth, had denied causing the death of 18-year-old Dean Tipping by dangerous driving in Low Town, Bridgnorth, on May 18, 2009.

But yesterday at Shrewsbury Crown Court, he was found guilty by a 10-2 majority jury verdict.

Jailing Langford, Judge Robert David Trevor-Jones said the case was an emotive one.

He said no sentence could restore the life of Mr Tipping nor compensate for the loss felt by his family and friends. "The ripples that follow events such as this stretch far and wide," he added.

Langford was also banned from driving for five years and ordered to take an extended driving test before driving again.

The jury had been told that while driving in Bridgnorth at about 11.30pm on May 18 Langford did a right turn in his Peugeot 106.

The car collided head-on with a 50cc moped ridden by Mr Tipping, of Hilton.

Mr Tipping died from his injuries in hospital on May 20, just two days before a letter confirming his acceptance into the RAF arrived at his home.

The accident happened on the A442 Cann Hall Road.

After the collision Langford told police he realised the victim used to be a neighbour and a childhood friend.

The court heard he told officers: "It's my fault, I was in his pathway. I just don't know why I never saw him."

Mr Darron Whitehead, for Langford, said his client was sorry and remorseful. He had told many people that if he could change time he would.

"He has said many time that he wished it had been him who had died. He has not got back behind the wheel of a car since."

Langford wept in the dock as Mr Whitehouse told the court his client's girlfriend was expecting a baby this week. "Despite this he has not sought to delay the outcome," he added.

Mr Whitehouse said Langford would be a vulnerable inmate in prison.

The judge told Langford he had taken his eyes off the road.

By Sue Austin