Video: Jamie’s parents feel ‘cheated’ by the prison sentence given to the man responsible
The family of a Nottingham boy who was killed while on a family holiday in Zante feel ‘cheated’ by the prison sentence given to the man found responsible for his death.
Nine-year-old Jamie Leek was hit by a motorcycle while crossing a road on the Greek island five years ago, but the rider convicted of causing his death may not go to prison.
The man responsible was given a custodial sentence in a Greek court but then appealed which, in Greek law, means he was free until his application was heard.
The appeal was heard on Tuesday (June 20) and the man was found guilty of involuntary homicide with his sentence of four years and 10 months upheld.
However it has been suspended for three years, meaning it will not be enforced unless a further crime is committed in that time.
Mother Lydia Leek said: “I just cried.
“I looked at the consulate staff that were with us supporting us and said, I can’t believe it, did they just say suspended sentence?
“I felt cheated and I don’t feel there’s anything else that we can do – we’re looking into little pieces abroad but I don’t think it’s going to get us anywhere.”
Lilian Greenwood is the Labour MP for Nottingham South and has campaigned to two different Prime Ministers to look into the matter.
She said: “It’s absolutely devastating – Lydia rang me on Tuesday morning and of course I was just shocked, upset and then angry really.
“They have suffered the terrible pain of losing their nine-year-old son and then to see the person responsible walk free is devastating.”
