Driver fined for two deaths

A lorry driver who knocked down two hitch-hikers, killing one of them, was given 80 hours community service and fined £250 for careless driving plus £148 costs by Mendip magistrates. Brian Roper, 39, of Wells, Somerset, admitted failing to stop a fter the accident and failing to report it until the next day. His licence was also suspended for 18 months.

Roper was committed to Bristol Crown Court last year for sentence on a charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice by claiming he was not the driver of the vehicle. He was given 200 hours community service