A grieving mother has spoken of her disgust after the driver who caused her daughter’s death left court with just a £100 fine and points on his licence.

Bradley Gardiner, from Anchor Road, Rochester, crashed into a bridge in Main Road, Cooling, in December last year.

The collision killed 24-year-old Kelly Ann Silverton, from Sedley Road, Cliffe Woods, and seriously injured her sister Nadine.

At an inquest in June it was revealed how Mr Gardiner had been taking cocaine and drinking alcohol the night before the fatal collision. The inquest also heard how moments before the crash Miss Silverton had asked Mr Gardiner to slow down.

Kelly’s parents Peter and Cheryl Silverton grudgingly accepted the inquest verdict of accidental death.

But they were left stunned when at Medway Magistrates Court on October 2 Mr Gardiner only received a £100 fine and eight points on his driving licence after pleading guilty to careless driving.

Kelly’s mum Cheryl said: "I just cannot tell you how it feels. I never knew I could cry so much.

"We are utterly devastated. I just don’t think he knows what he has done to our family. We are going to be nervous wrecks for the rest of our lives knowing that he is alive and free and walking about out there.

"One of my daughters is dead and another had to have major surgery and is still receiving counselling after what happened.

"Nobody could believe the verdict but apparently the magistrates’ hands were tied. I think it stinks. I’ve got no faith in the system any more."

Due to a loophole in the law Mr Gardiner could not be charged for the more serious offence of death by careless driving.

Under the law at the time of the accident, the nature of the charge ensured Mr Gardiner could not be sent to prison.

Jacqueline Shicluna, managing partner at Stephens & Son solicitors, Chatham, is acting on behalf of the family.

She said: "Since the accident, there have been changes to the law, but too late to be of any comfort to the Silvertons.