11:48am Sunday 2nd March 2008
By Clare Kennedy
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.
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