I was disgusted to read (Gazette, May 27) that serviceman John Plant has had his driving ban slashed from three years to only one year for killing Geoffrey Smith through careless driving.

Apart from the fact that it was such a lenient punishment in the first place, I can't understand why he had the nerve to appeal.

I know of someone who was caught by a speed camera doing five miles over the limit, and they were fined and had three penalty points put on their licence.

I don't drive and I know it must be difficult to avoid accidents as there is so much traffic on the roads, but I think the punishment should fit the crime. Just because a person is in the services I don't see why they should be treated differently.

If any other member of the public said their job depended on driving, I doubt if they would get away with a more lenient punishment.

If anyone else lost their licence, they would have to get a job that didn't include driving, so I suggest Mr Plant does the same. After all, this would be nothing compared to what Mrs Smith is going through; she has lost her husband, not just a job.

MRS C BURGESS

Hodge Close

Devizes