THE PARENTS of a teenager who was seriously injured when a speeding lorry hit a bridge and collapsed on top of him have branded the driver's three month ban as 'laughable'.
Janette and Dennis Town of Springwood View, Penistone, said Shaun Wild, who had eight previous convictions for speeding, should not have been behind the wheel of the huge lorry.
The accident happened on January 7 as Simon Town, 16, walked home from school along Sheffield Road, Penistone. The 32-tonne lorry hit the underside of a bridge and toppled over onto Simon and a 13-year-old girl.
Financial advisor Janette said: "A three month ban seems laughable when drivers suffer more serious punishment for less. Although we did not want the driver to suffer a custodial sentence, the ban and fine should at least reflect the seriousness of the accident and the trauma it has caused us.
"All local drivers know you should approach that bridge with care and he showed none. It is a huge concern that he could be back on this route in just a few weeks."
Both Simon's legs were broken in several places and he was in plaster for two months. He now faces months of agonising physiotherapy to get him back to fitness.
Penistone Grammar school student Simon said: "For weeks I was confined to my bed. I can walk now but my legs give way occasionally. I don't know how long it will be until I'm back to normal, doctors say it could be months or years."
Mr Wild, 37, of Rotherham admitted to driving without due care and attention. He was banned for three months under the totting up system and fined £345, including a £15 victim surcharge, by Barnsley magistrates last month.
