A FATHER from Poole is demanding tougher sentencing after a judge jailed his son's killer for just 20 months.

Ben Astell's son, Benjamin Astell - a 43-year-old father of two - was killed when Jose De Souza crashed head-on into his Honda Civic.

De Souza, 33, a Brazilian living in Plymouth, was also banned from driving for 10 years at Truro Crown Court on Friday.

He admitted the charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

He will only serve half his sentence - 10 months being suspended.

Ben Astell, from Chaddesley Pines in Canford Cliffs, said after the hearing: "Twenty months for killing someone like that, and then having to spend only 10 months in prison is nothing.

"A bigger punishment would not bring our son back to life but this sentence does not reflect the tragedy his children, aged 12 and 9, have suffered.

"Burglars get longer than this for breaking and entering."

De Souza was overtaking on the A30 near Bodmin, Cornwall, when his Toyota Space Cruiser smashed into Mr Astell's car just before 8pm on January 25 this year.

De Souza also suffered multiple injuries, including a shattered leg, and will need a walking stick for the rest of his life.

An off-duty firefighter, Philip McKenna, said he saw the Toyota Cruiser being driven aggressively and "tailgating" the car in front.

Recorder Paul Darlow said De Souza's driving was "an isolated act of madness".

He noted he was not under the influence of drink or drugs at the time of the accident and pleaded guilty.

The Brazilian was working for an agency driving workers to and from factories. David Evans, defending, said: " He is from a very poor family and has worked all the hours of every day, week and month. He has never been in trouble."

First published: August 22