SOLDIER Daniel Richens was just 22 when he was fatally injured as his 400cc motorcycle collided with a car.

The first his father knew of his son having such a powerful machine was when the police contacted him to tell him of the tragedy.

Daniel had been able to buy his motorcycle, even though he did not possess a full licence.

His father, David, says this situation makes no sense when one considers the tough regulations concerning the issuing of licences and when it is legal for a person to ride a more powerful machine.

He would like to see the law changed in order for retailers to be able to demand to see a valid licence before selling such a motorcycle.

There are those who will point out that it is quite possible to buy a car a potentially even more lethal device without producing a licence.

But perhaps this is not an argument against the point made by Mr Richens.

Perhaps it is, in fact, an argument for Mr Richens suggestion to be considered as an option for all future legislation concerning the purchase of road vehicles.

After all, lives are at stake.