Undertake through a red light in a bus lane, kill a cyclist, drive off and put the family through the torment of a trial = 4 years. In the hands of Barry Normah, a car is a more dangerous weapon than a handgun. 4 years for killing?
THE Woolwich uncle of a teenage cyclist killed in a Deptford hit-and-run says he is "extremely disappointed" at the driver's four-year sentence and has called for more cycle lanes.
Barry Normah, 28, of Watergate Street, Deptford, sped through a red light and knocked down former Addey and Stanhope pupil Olatunji Adeyanju last March, as the boy crossed the road with his bike.
Olatunji, known to friends as TJ, suffered major head, chest and abdominal injuries in the Deptford Church Street accident and later died in hospital.
Normah, who paused for a short while after the accident before driving off again and dumping his car, was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving at an Old Bailey trial.
At Woolwich Crown Court today (May 24) Normah was sentenced by Judge Christopher Kinch to four years in prison.
But speaking afterwards, TJ's uncle and carer Steven Gisanrin, aged 46, said: "There are no words to express the pain we have suffered since that day and we are not only angry that Mr Normah chose to compound our grief by denying his actions and putting us through the ordeal of a trial, but also extremely disappointed in the length of the sentence he has been given.
"Now that the criminal proceedings against Mr Normah have concluded, we as a family can hopefully begin to move on with our lives."
The 46-year-old said: "TJ was a popular, charming and exceptional young man with huge potential.
"TJ’s warm cheeky smile and friendly nature endeared him to everyone he met and he was loved and respected by all who knew him.
"Although he will be sadly missed, we as a family take comfort in the fact that he has left us with so many positive memories, and his contribution to our lives will not be forgotten."
He added: "If any good is to come from the tragic death of Olatunji then more needs to be done to promote safer cycling in the capital.
"Residents in Deptford have often complained about how unsafe they feel whilst cycling in the area and are again calling for more designated cycle lanes to be installed, particularly on and around Creek Road."
Eleanor Sykes, of Fentons Solicitors LLP, said she the firm was now representing Mr Gisanrin in civil proceedings against Normah.
She said: "We are pleased the criminal proceedings have now come to an end but as the civil case on behalf of Mr Gisanrin is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."
Source: newshopper
While Thames Water have their tunneling equipment in Deptford perhaps as recompense for the years of disruption and occupation of the area, deliver a road tunnel below Deptford Church Street, removing the traffic entirely, and create a park in memory of TJ that joins the green space by the Church with Sue Godfrey Nature Reserve. (Sue Godfrey was also killed in a road traffic accident).
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