THE family of the taxi driver killed in an explosion at the Old Locomotive pub in Canterbury in 2002 say they can finally look to the future now his killer's appeal has been dismissed.

Keith Willoughby has failed to get his manslaughter conviction overturned in the Appeal Court.

Lord Justice Rose found the conviction was "safe" although he concluded it would have been preferable if the case had been left to the jury on the basis of death caused by an unlawful and dangerous act.

Instead, the jury was directed on "gross negligence" manslaughter which related to claims that Willoughby had owed cabbie Derek Drury a "duty of care".

Willoughby, 54, of Wincheap, Canterbury, was jailed for 12 years at Maidstone Crown Court in April, after being found guilty of arson, being reckless as to whether life was endangered and the manslaughter of Mr Drury, 40, of Station Road, Whitstable.

After the appeal hearing, Mr Drury's sister Denise Cutress said it was a turning point for the family. "We are so relieved that it is all over now," she said.

"It has been going on for so long now that we just want to be able to move on with our lives. Nothing is going to bring Derek back but at least we know Keith will stay where he belongs."

The Old Locomotive in Station Road West, Canterbury, was destroyed by fire and an explosion on August 18, 2002.

After the appeal was dismissed, Willoughby's QC, Richard Barraclough, said there was a possibility of Willoughby applying to challenge his 12-year jail term.