Suspended sentence for father who caused daughter's death

Raymond French charged with death by dangerous driving and serious bodily harm

The father of a 10-year-old girl who died as result of his dangerous driving, has avoided going to jail.

46-year-old Raymond French appeared at Douglas Courthouse this afternoon to be sentenced, for causing the accident on the Castletown by-pass in October 2013.

He's been given a 12 month suspended prison sentence on the dangerous driving charge, which resulted in the death of his daughter Alexis.

He was also charged with a count of serious bodily harm to the bus driver involved in the head on collision.

For that he received a 6 month jail term, suspended for a year.

"A life that was full of laughter"

Advocate Dawn Jones represented Mr French and spoke on his behalf about the accident and aftermath, in an emotional address.

She recalled Mr French’s previous statements, where he says he doesn’t recall the incident at all.

Mrs Jones said they were a happy family unit and had a “life that was full of laughter”.

She added his daughter Alexis was “the apple of his eye” and the remorse he feels about her death is far beyond guilt.

She said whatever punishment the court gave, it’s nothing compared to the punishment he’s endured mentally and physically.

"Please don't send Mr French to prison"

Mr French is in a wheelchair and his injuries are such that he requires ‘nursing home level’ care.

Mrs Jones concluded her address by simply saying “please don’t send Mr French to prison”.

There were family members, friends and other interested parties in court, all of whom were visibly emotional.

Deemster Montgomerie concluded there were no winners in this case.

He also paid tribute to the emergency services and people that stopped to help on the tragic day two years ago.