Published: Wednesday, 28th July, 2010 1:07pm

Police warn of death sentence

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Richard Wilkinson is pictured with Welsh rugby ace Gavin Henson.

TWO men who have been jailed for a total of nine years after a 17-year-old male was killed in a road collision.

Richard Wilkinson died as a result of injuries he suffered while a front seat passenger in the collision near Eckford in the Scottish Borders on Saturday, April 4, 2009.

Sean Goodfellow and Murray McAllan, both 18 were travelling at speeds along the A698 when Good fellow's Peugeot 306 GTI and McAllan's Mitsubishi Colt attempted a tight corner resulting in Peugeot leaving the road and colliding with a fence.

At the High Court in Edinburgh today Sean Goodfellow - whose car Richard Wilkinson was a passenger in - and Murray McAllan were both sentenced to four and a half years in prison.

Both men have also been given a 12-year ban from driving.

Road Policing Inspector Fraser Jervis hopes the sentences passed today will send a clear message to all motorists that dangerous and reckless driving carries serious consequences.

Inspector Jervis said: "The death of Richard Wilkinson was as tragic as it was avoidable and it is imperative that motorists, particularly young motorists learn from this to avoid similar tragedies themselves.

"Driving at excessive speeds reduces the level of control you have over a vehicle and increases the likelihood of fatal or serious injury collisions.

"What motorists must remember is that they are not only responsible for their own safety when behind the wheel, but the safety of those within their vehicle as well as other motorists and pedestrians.

"I would also recommend that any passenger who has concerns that the vehicle they are in is being driven dangerously should bring their concerns to the attention of the driver."