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The family of crash victim plea to texting drivers
11:48am Sunday 2nd March 2008
Comments (61)THE family of Jordan Wickington hope the court case will act as a deterrent to other drivers tempted to use their mobile phones at the wheel.
While they said they were pleased with Coultas's four-year jail term they said there were no winners and hoped lessons could be learned.
Speaking after the case Jordan's sister, Laura, 22, who works in a hairdressing salon and hopes to join the police, said: "I think our family, as a whole, are pleased with the outcome.
"We hope the sentence will act as a strong deterrent and might deter people from using their mobile phone in the car."
Jordan's step-brother Dan Hickman, 32, added: "We are satisfied that this will hopefully be a deterrent.
"In the end there are no winners. We are pleased that a message has been sent out.
"People should think of this case, that by using a mobile phone in the car you are taking a risk and it could happen to you. We would not want another family to go through this."
Shortly before Coultas was sentenced, the court was told that none of Jordan's family felt vindictive towards the 25-year-old after she was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.
Mr Hickman said: "I cannot imagine what impact it will have on her and her family. But I have to temper any sympathy for her with the fact we have lost someone and he is not coming back."
For Jordan's family the end of the court case will bring some closure - and while they are glad it sent out a message not to use mobile phones at the wheel, they are also keen to emphasise that it is about their much-loved son and brother.
Before sentencing, David Jenkins, prosecuting, read out victim impact statements from Jordan's relatives.
In his statement, Dan Hickman, who works for an investment bank, said: "It is difficult to put into words the effect that Jordan's death has had on me, as I don't know where to start.
"The major thing is knowing that whatever happens in my life from this point onwards, such as having children - my kids won't get to meet him - getting married, scoring a goal on a Sunday or any other achievements are lessened because Jordan is not there to share them with.
"He's always on my mind and any happiness I feel in my life is dampened by the fact that my brother is gone, and at such a young age. It's like having a constant shadow.
"I have also lost the chance to share in his happy moments or take him out for a beer, or for him to have the experiences we have all had the chance of as we grow older."
Jordan's mother Christine said: "You never in your worst nightmare expect to be asked the devastating effects it has had on you, your family and friends, on being told that the child you have loved for nineteen years is not expected to live.
"Our lives changed forever on February 7 2007 as Glen, Laura and I held Jordy's hands and stroked his face as he slipped away. It felt as if someone had reached inside you and ripped out part of your heart and soul."
She added: "We had no idea how many people Jordy had touched until the hundreds of cards. notes and messages on his internet site started coming through, most saying it had been a privilege to have known him and how proud we all should be of him, seeing the amount of people that came to his funeral including every firm he had worked for helped us through those early days."
One of the local football teams he had played for has donated a silver cup to be presented for outstanding commitment every year in his name.
The family would like to thank all friends and relatives for the "overwhelming" and "touching response" following Jordan's death.
Your Say YourEcho
hmm, says...
12:12pm Sun 2 Mar 08
"The hotel manageress was answering a text message from her estranged husband when she crashed into cyclist Jordan Wickington who had jumped a red light at a major road junction in Southampton."
Let's be clear, the cyclist was killed because he jumped a red light.
Sue, Southampton says...
12:59pm Sun 2 Mar 08
Why not accpet the facts?
Hopefully more drivers will not use their mobile phones whilst driving. A car is a lethal weapon - treat it with respect.
My sympathies are with the family.
CJ, holbury says...
1:06pm Sun 2 Mar 08
Denzil, Romsey says...
1:21pm Sun 2 Mar 08
kevin, holbury southampton says...
1:23pm Sun 2 Mar 08
Barney Gumball, Soton says...
1:37pm Sun 2 Mar 08
Vanessa, southampton says...
2:21pm Sun 2 Mar 08
x x x x, hythe says...
2:28pm Sun 2 Mar 08
CJ wrote:How dare u talk about a friend like that. She does not deseve this. She didnt mean to kill him.
So she\'s locked up. Best place for the old slapper
IF HE HAD NOT JUMPED THE RED LIGHT HE WOULD STILL BE ALIVE ITS HIS OWN FAULT.
my thoughts are with kiera and her little girl. x x x
A driver, cyclist & pedestrian, says...
2:38pm Sun 2 Mar 08
Barney Gumball wrote:The outcome could have be so much different. The car might have avoided him when he jumped the lights and then ploughed into a group of pedestrians killing them. This could have happened to a driver who wasn't speeding or on the phone. Both parties broke laws and have to face the punishment.
Yep, this was down to the kid on the bike. No matter how much you try and change the focus, he committed suicide that day and the family are out to blame someone else. Perhaps his family should have read all of the highway code, not just the bit about mobile phones.
helsbels, canarys says...
2:54pm Sun 2 Mar 08
x x x x wrote:Your friend is not law biding she took no notice of her 2 speeding tickets DID SHE .so now she may learn to repect the law
CJ wrote: So she\'s locked up. Best place for the old slapperHow dare u talk about a friend like that. She does not deseve this. She didnt mean to kill him. IF HE HAD NOT JUMPED THE RED LIGHT HE WOULD STILL BE ALIVE ITS HIS OWN FAULT. my thoughts are with kiera and her little girl. x x x
bsingh, southampton says...
3:23pm Sun 2 Mar 08
x x x x wrote:stop making excuses for her,she would have killed someone sooner or later with her stupid actions.you bleeding heart liberals with your blame someone attitude,some one has died but hey don,t let that bother you saddos.
CJ wrote:How dare u talk about a friend like that. She does not deseve this. She didnt mean to kill him.
So she\'s locked up. Best place for the old slapper
IF HE HAD NOT JUMPED THE RED LIGHT HE WOULD STILL BE ALIVE ITS HIS OWN FAULT.
my thoughts are with kiera and her little girl. x x x
paul b, says...
3:35pm Sun 2 Mar 08
toxteth o'grady, says...
3:53pm Sun 2 Mar 08
hmm wrote:Lets be clear...he would still be alive if the stupid woman had NOT been texting & speeding.
From an earlier Echo story:- "The hotel manageress was answering a text message from her estranged husband when she crashed into cyclist Jordan Wickington who had jumped a red light at a major road junction in Southampton." Let's be clear, the cyclist was killed because he jumped a red light.
All my sympathys go to the cyclist's family & none at all for this selfish woman.
Some of the postings on this site are just sick & you realise why this county is going down the tiolet !
jonuv arc, says...
3:56pm Sun 2 Mar 08
i don't see alot wrong with this county. if you don't like it move.
Denzil, Romsey says...
4:15pm Sun 2 Mar 08
take notice to paul b, southampton says...
5:01pm Sun 2 Mar 08
paul b wrote:this is the most sensible comment on this page.
Very sad story he sounded like a much loved chap, however he played a big part in his own death
EVERYONE NEEDS TO SHUT UP AND TAKE NOTICE!!
Well said paul b.
i know best, dorset says...
5:04pm Sun 2 Mar 08
isaak Hunt, says...
5:07pm Sun 2 Mar 08
ALTHOUGH I CAN SYMPATHISE WE ALL HAVE MADE A MISTAKE.
Fred, says...
5:08pm Sun 2 Mar 08
jonuv arc wrote:What is more the are no details about whether he had earphones on, lights, his brakes worked, etc.
lets be clear... he would still be alive had he not gone through a red light. i don't see alot wrong with this county. if you don't like it move.
Darwin award material.
Fred, says...
5:18pm Sun 2 Mar 08
CJ wrote:From her photo elsewhere you can see she's inherited the ugly gene. Pity her child.
So she's locked up. Best place for the old slapper
hmm, says...
5:20pm Sun 2 Mar 08
toxteth o'grady wrote:You cretin, if he had waited behind the red light for a green, he would be alive today. Lights are there for a reason.
hmm wrote: From an earlier Echo story:- "The hotel manageress was answering a text message from her estranged husband when she crashed into cyclist Jordan Wickington who had jumped a red light at a major road junction in Southampton." Let's be clear, the cyclist was killed because he jumped a red light.Lets be clear...he would still be alive if the stupid woman had NOT been texting & speeding. All my sympathys go to the cyclist's family & none at all for this selfish woman. Some of the postings on this site are just sick & you realise why this county is going down the tiolet !
kim, Southampton says...
5:28pm Sun 2 Mar 08
jonuv arc wrote:Absolutely spot on, no ifs, no buts, Jordan would still be with his family if he hadn't have jumped the lights...
lets be clear... he would still be alive had he not gone through a red light.
i don't see alot wrong with this county. if you don't like it move.
Yes Keira was speeding and distracted, but this is a clear case of the legal system moving the goalposts. Jordan would not have been killed if he wasn't equally as reckless. Much has been said about Keira rushing back to her daughter, but put the boot on the other foot, was Jordan late for work that day, hence him running the red light ?
It works both ways, and both families have suffered.
Whilst not dimishing the pain suffered by Jordan's family, Its barbaric to hang, draw and quarter this poor woman who will no doubt bear this for the rest of her life when the lad really brought in on himself.
lisa, Bitterne says...
5:31pm Sun 2 Mar 08
bsingh wrote:And Jordan would probably have been killed sooner or later if he was in the habit of jumping red lights ..If you Live by the sword, you die by the sword, sadly.
x x x x wrote:stop making excuses for her,she would have killed someone sooner or later with her stupid actions.you bleeding heart liberals with your blame someone attitude,some one has died but hey don,t let that bother you saddos.
CJ wrote:How dare u talk about a friend like that. She does not deseve this. She didnt mean to kill him.
So she\'s locked up. Best place for the old slapper
IF HE HAD NOT JUMPED THE RED LIGHT HE WOULD STILL BE ALIVE ITS HIS OWN FAULT.
my thoughts are with kiera and her little girl. x x x
paul b, says...
5:50pm Sun 2 Mar 08
Denzil, says...
5:57pm Sun 2 Mar 08
paul b wrote:Could you try the second option a few times and report back.
If I had to take my chances of either texting when driving or cycling through a red light on a push bike i know which i would choose
paul b, says...
6:00pm Sun 2 Mar 08
Denzil wrote:only if you hold my hand, sweetheart xx
paul b wrote:Could you try the second option a few times and report back.
If I had to take my chances of either texting when driving or cycling through a red light on a push bike i know which i would choose
evvy, says...
6:26pm Sun 2 Mar 08
reality check, says...
6:42pm Sun 2 Mar 08
Coultas put herself into a postition were she was unaware of the hazards around her.
its widely acknowledged that cyclists take unneccessary risks, and this should be taken account of when ANYONE is driving.
even when a traffic light is green, it doesn't mean that your route is automatically safe.
Would the death have been avoided by Jordan stopping at the Red? of Course.
Would the death have been avoided by Coultas being attentive at the wheel? Quite possibly.
normally, using a mobile phone while driving is 6 points and a fine so personally I feel that (what will almost certainly, eventually be) 2 years in Jail is fair for her dangerous driving and her driving history.
Michael, Surrey says...
6:43pm Sun 2 Mar 08
Of course Keira did not intend to kill the cyclist. That is not the issue. If she had, the sentence would have been for life (15 years min). For Death by Dangerous Driving the law says that she should be imprisoned for a period between 2 and 14 years.
She received 4 years which was determined by the Judge taking into account all of the factors. She killed a person, she was speeding, using a mobile phone and had previous driving convictions all acting againt her. On the positive side for her the Judge took into account the cyclist going through a red light and Kiera's age, experience and her daughter and other factors. She lost the chance of a reduction of one third of her sentence by not pleading guilty and choosing to going to trial. That was a gamble she lost.
Whatever was happening on the road junction when she crossed it, it was her responsibility as a driver to see it. She was not looking, it seems, so she did not see. It could well have been a pedestrian or an ambulance on blues. Unfortunately it was a poor young man.
The consequence is that two families have been devastated. I would like especially to offer my heartfelt condolences to Jordan's family, for theirs was the greatest loss.
lisa, reality says...
6:53pm Sun 2 Mar 08
evvy wrote:Would you care to elaborate on your critique ? In English, preferably, not juvenile text-speak, if that's within your capabilities.
If you Live by the sword, you die by the sword, sadly. ~~ this is the stupidest comment I have ever seen in all my life, lisa you a fool saying dat.
Gemma, southampton says...
6:53pm Sun 2 Mar 08
lisa, you clearly watch too much tv and really do need to get out more!!!
he shouldnt have ran the red light and she shouldnt have been texting but i reckon she could get her sentence slashed on appeal like that nasy evil scumbag that glassed a girl in a club last year :)
bsingh, soutjhampton says...
7:19pm Sun 2 Mar 08
jonuv arc wrote:yes he would be alive so. lets all text while driving and kill some innocent drivers.he paid for his mistake with his life and she is paying for hers by going to prison.
lets be clear... he would still be alive had he not gone through a red light.
i don't see alot wrong with this county. if you don't like it move.
Jane, Hythe says...
7:25pm Sun 2 Mar 08
evvy, says...
7:38pm Sun 2 Mar 08
you clearly watch too much tv and really do need to get out more!!! I suggest you close half of your spouter please, You know less and less about more and more and just about everything about nothing, nothing you say will justify the killing, not now or ever ~and dats the truth nothing to do with swords or spolling.
steve, southampton says...
8:11pm Sun 2 Mar 08
You have to take a hazard perception test to drive so its common sence LOOK WHERE YOURE GOING.
He was one of my best mates i no he shouldn't have gone through the red light but he made shore it was clear she was speeding and texting she had got 2 speeding tickets on that same road you would have thought she would have learnt her lesson.
my thoughts are with jordans family.
R.I.P JORDAN MISS YOU MATE.
bsingh, southampton says...
8:22pm Sun 2 Mar 08
kim wrote:you are sad kim,get a life,sticking up for this sad women who had her eyes on her mobile texting while driving.i expect you will be sticking up for child murderers next and blameing the child.
jonuv arc wrote:Absolutely spot on, no ifs, no buts, Jordan would still be with his family if he hadn't have jumped the lights...
lets be clear... he would still be alive had he not gone through a red light.
i don't see alot wrong with this county. if you don't like it move.
Yes Keira was speeding and distracted, but this is a clear case of the legal system moving the goalposts. Jordan would not have been killed if he wasn't equally as reckless. Much has been said about Keira rushing back to her daughter, but put the boot on the other foot, was Jordan late for work that day, hence him running the red light ?
It works both ways, and both families have suffered.
Whilst not dimishing the pain suffered by Jordan's family, Its barbaric to hang, draw and quarter this poor woman who will no doubt bear this for the rest of her life when the lad really brought in on himself.
lisa, my own four walls apparently says...
9:19pm Sun 2 Mar 08
Gemma wrote:Yes, I need to get out more...you are quite correct :-) If only you knew...hahaha !
"you live by the sword you die by the sword"
lisa, you clearly watch too much tv and really do need to get out more!!!
he shouldnt have ran the red light and she shouldnt have been texting but i reckon she could get her sentence slashed on appeal like that nasy evil scumbag that glassed a girl in a club last year :)
Ignorance is definitely bliss in your case !
Kim, says...
9:21pm Sun 2 Mar 08
bsingh wrote:Yes, I condone child murder, torture and genocide.... what a moronic statement to make...special needs are we ?
kim wrote:you are sad kim,get a life,sticking up for this sad women who had her eyes on her mobile texting while driving.i expect you will be sticking up for child murderers next and blameing the child.
jonuv arc wrote:Absolutely spot on, no ifs, no buts, Jordan would still be with his family if he hadn't have jumped the lights...
lets be clear... he would still be alive had he not gone through a red light.
i don't see alot wrong with this county. if you don't like it move.
Yes Keira was speeding and distracted, but this is a clear case of the legal system moving the goalposts. Jordan would not have been killed if he wasn't equally as reckless. Much has been said about Keira rushing back to her daughter, but put the boot on the other foot, was Jordan late for work that day, hence him running the red light ?
It works both ways, and both families have suffered.
Whilst not dimishing the pain suffered by Jordan's family, Its barbaric to hang, draw and quarter this poor woman who will no doubt bear this for the rest of her life when the lad really brought in on himself.
Talk about myopic !
Lisa, says...
9:29pm Sun 2 Mar 08
evvy wrote:Yes I have to admit, Mastermind was utterly enthralling tonight....specialis
Lisa thank you for your erudite reply
you clearly watch too much tv and really do need to get out more!!! I suggest you close half of your spouter please, You know less and less about more and more and just about everything about nothing, nothing you say will justify the killing, not now or ever ~and dats the truth nothing to do with swords or spolling.
t subject, spelling....or was it spolling.
A little tip for you - why not spend some of your hard earned giro on evening classes ?
What a complete bellend!
bsingh, says...
10:14pm Sun 2 Mar 08
Kim wrote:no more moronic then your silly first post.ie the comment "when the lad really brought in on himself"
bsingh wrote:Yes, I condone child murder, torture and genocide.... what a moronic statement to make...special needs are we ?
kim wrote:you are sad kim,get a life,sticking up for this sad women who had her eyes on her mobile texting while driving.i expect you will be sticking up for child murderers next and blameing the child.
jonuv arc wrote:Absolutely spot on, no ifs, no buts, Jordan would still be with his family if he hadn't have jumped the lights...
lets be clear... he would still be alive had he not gone through a red light.
i don't see alot wrong with this county. if you don't like it move.
Yes Keira was speeding and distracted, but this is a clear case of the legal system moving the goalposts. Jordan would not have been killed if he wasn't equally as reckless. Much has been said about Keira rushing back to her daughter, but put the boot on the other foot, was Jordan late for work that day, hence him running the red light ?
It works both ways, and both families have suffered.
Whilst not dimishing the pain suffered by Jordan's family, Its barbaric to hang, draw and quarter this poor woman who will no doubt bear this for the rest of her life when the lad really brought in on himself.
Talk about myopic !
evvy, says...
10:25pm Sun 2 Mar 08
earthquake shake it off did it, I will say this though Lisa you are a **** good sport and can take it off me a 16year old,
bellend! thats an insult its another word for cameltoe dont say it Lisa your too nice
GL, says...
10:52pm Sun 2 Mar 08
While it cannot be deinied that Jordan jumped the red lights, Coultas was speeding AND using her mobile phone. Jordan was guilty on one count, Coultas on two.
I am lucky to have escaped death but have a permanent injury caused by a (female) driver using her mobile.
ANYONE who uses their mobile while driving, let alone cause death or injury, should be imprisoned for four years and longer.
rick o'shea, Shirley says...
11:04pm Sun 2 Mar 08
Michael, Surrey says...
11:49pm Sun 2 Mar 08
These are extracts from Sentencing Guidelines about mobile phones.
"The fact that an offender was avoidably distracted by using a hand-held mobile phone
when a causing death by driving offence was
committed will always make an offence more
serious. Similarly, adjusting the controls of a
hands-free mobile phone or any other electronic
equipment will be an avoidable distraction.
Reading or composing text messages over
a period of time will be a gross avoidable
distraction."
Rick
It looks like the culpability and not the outcome is already the key factor.
"The offenders culpability should be the dominant component in the sentencing exercise but that the outcome of the offence should have some effect."
james, totton says...
12:41am Mon 3 Mar 08
alma, southampton says...
1:16am Mon 3 Mar 08
Dave, says...
6:15am Mon 3 Mar 08
pogo, says...
8:06am Mon 3 Mar 08
Dave wrote:Says the attention seeking troll.
Why do attention seeking relatives have to issue these nauseating statements at the end of all these trials ? "loved by everyone" ,"missed by all" "cheeky smile" blah blah blah.What next a Youtube tribute site ?
Kim, says...
8:14am Mon 3 Mar 08
bsingh wrote:I would hazzard a guess and say 60% of posters on here recognise Jordan was equally culpable, hard fact to swallow I know, but true nonetheless. Like I said, I don't for one minute condone Keira's actions, they were reckless and negligent, and she deserves punishment. BUT.... i'm sorry you don't want to hear it, but Jordan was equally at fault. No ifs or buts, if he hadn't have jumped the light, he would still be here. You are just too thick to understand that.
Kim wrote:no more moronic then your silly first post.ie the comment "when the lad really brought in on himself"
bsingh wrote:Yes, I condone child murder, torture and genocide.... what a moronic statement to make...special needs are we ?
kim wrote:you are sad kim,get a life,sticking up for this sad women who had her eyes on her mobile texting while driving.i expect you will be sticking up for child murderers next and blameing the child.
jonuv arc wrote:Absolutely spot on, no ifs, no buts, Jordan would still be with his family if he hadn't have jumped the lights...
lets be clear... he would still be alive had he not gone through a red light.
i don't see alot wrong with this county. if you don't like it move.
Yes Keira was speeding and distracted, but this is a clear case of the legal system moving the goalposts. Jordan would not have been killed if he wasn't equally as reckless. Much has been said about Keira rushing back to her daughter, but put the boot on the other foot, was Jordan late for work that day, hence him running the red light ?
It works both ways, and both families have suffered.
Whilst not dimishing the pain suffered by Jordan's family, Its barbaric to hang, draw and quarter this poor woman who will no doubt bear this for the rest of her life when the lad really brought in on himself.
Talk about myopic !
Steven P, West Sussex says...
8:14am Mon 3 Mar 08
I have lost count the number of times I've nearly been mamed or run over by cyclists who think they can use the road like everyone else but not actually obey any of the rules of the road. The traffic lights apply to you too cyclists!!
o, soton says...
9:10am Mon 3 Mar 08
I would suggest that ALL road users read the highway code yearly and pick up on the changes that happen from time to time.
It sadens me that a life was lost neadlessly in this case as both parites we at fault here.
Anti-car-nage, roadside says...
9:56am Mon 3 Mar 08
Barney Gumball wrote:Then why did`nt the car driver read the highway code book where it also say`s about speed limits of 30 - not 45 mph she was going or that at a traffic junction a green light does not mean speed through it in excess of the roads 30 mph.He broke ONE rule of the H/Code..where as she broke at least THREE so there fore had to be punnished.All car drivers who kill or maim should be locked up, you`ve all had light sentences for far too long.
Yep, this was down to the kid on the bike. No matter how much you try and change the focus, he committed suicide that day and the family are out to blame someone else. Perhaps his family should have read all of the highway code, not just the bit about mobile phones.
watching, who cares says...
10:48am Mon 3 Mar 08
x x x x wrote:IF HE HAD NOT JUMPED THE RED LIGHT HE WOULD STILL BE ALIVE ITS HIS OWN FAULT.
CJ wrote: So she\\\'s locked up. Best place for the old slapperHow dare u talk about a friend like that. She does not deseve this. She didnt mean to kill him. IF HE HAD NOT JUMPED THE RED LIGHT HE WOULD STILL BE ALIVE ITS HIS OWN FAULT. my thoughts are with kiera and her little girl. x x x
Some people like yourself and a few others talk aload of rubbish.If the car driver was paying attention to the road as she should have done, she would not be where she is now and deservidly.Yes the lad went through a red light and broke one rule in the highway code book .She on the other hand has had not one but two previous slaps on the wrists for breaking the speed limit prior to the day the accident happened which is clearly no deterrant as on that morning not only did she laugh in the face of the law again by speeding she illeagally used her mobile phone so was`nt looking or giving the road ahead her full attention {driving without due care or attention}If you bother to read the highway code a green light does not mean speed through as you please, it means that you have priority over other traffic but with due care for pedesrians ,emergency vehicals etc.Please get yourself a reallity check and stop sticking up for people who were clearly in the wrong,She will be out of jail in 24 months time,the young lad will never come home again.Please stop putting comments on that defend a convicted person and think of the poor family of this tragic waste of a young mans life just because you may know her.The young child of the car driver and Jordans family are innocent of any blame so think befor you type rubbish again.
nobby, here says...
10:55am Mon 3 Mar 08
Car Driver wrote:How about car drivers reading the highway code to obey speed limits and not use mobile phones while driving or even lookwhen they are in charge of a ton of metal travelling at 45 mph towards people YOU NUMPTY
How about a plea to cyclists that they read the Highway Code and obey traffic lights
Warren, Southampton says...
11:10am Mon 3 Mar 08
Its a terrible thing for both parties, there is no intent to do something like that.
There are too many double standards in this country, a drink driver doesnt cause an accident but surely there crime is far worse??????
Car Driver, Romsey says...
12:09pm Sun 2 Mar 08