A GRIEVING family has spoken of their pain and anger after the driver who killed their loved one was cleared of a death by dangerous driving charge.

Heartbroken Carole Snipe left Maidstone Crown Court in tears after the judge ordered Scott Wilson, of Taswell Road, Rainham, to pay a £350 fine and banned him from driving for six months.

Wilson admitted careless driving, but was cleared of killing David Snipe by dangerous driving. The court heard that Wilson had told a police officer: "The moral of the story is I was too impatient. I knocked the guy off his bike and killed him."

Speaking exclusively to Medway Today, Carole said she couldn't believe that a fine and a short ban was all her husband was worth.

"Yes we knew all along it was an accident and we accepted the careless driving, but we still expected a jail term and a lengthier ban.

"The police were expecting him to be banned for two years, but when I heard the judge say six months, I couldn't believe it. I couldn't stay in the court any longer and I just ran out with my two sons Matthew and Darryl."

Talented engineer Dave, 47, died one year ago on December 4 after he was knocked off his bike near the Bowater's roundabout as he cycled to work at Gillingham Business Park.

Carole, of Childscroft Road, Rainham, said the pain of losing David had been unbearable and Wilson's conviction, insufficient.

"I know it was all about leniency. The judge was told he had loads of debt, so a light fine was asked for and then he was told that Wilson did driving for a living.

"At least I know he will be in more debt and not be able to drive for some time.

"He did show remorse, but I just feel so let down by the justice system. It is unfair and unjust."

Up until Tuesday, December 4, 2001, care worker Carole and Dave, who had fought a battle against ankylosing spondilitis a debilitating form of arthritis had enjoyed one of their best years together.

Four months earlier, they had celebrated their silver wedding anniversary. Carole, 46, has precious memories of the Caribbean cruise they went on a month before celebrating 25 years of marriage.

She said: "I still have my memories. But if it wasn't for Matthew, Darryl and my strong family, I wouldn't have coped.

"We have been working up for the trial for a whole year, thinking we would get justice.

"The next hurdle is getting over this Wednesday, the first anniversary of his death."

The family believes Wilson's sentence has set a bad example.

Matthew, 23, who works for Medway Council, said: "It sends out the message that you can drive through a red light, kill someone and get away with it. It is disgusting. The sentence does not justify the ends," added Carole.

But the family is looking to the new year for a fresh start.

Carole is planning to go to Portugal in March and America later on in the year.

David, who was born and bred in Medway, was a keen folk guitarist and a regular at the club which met at the Oasthouse Theatre in Rainham.

He was also a member of Neighbourhood Watch.