Gary Forster makes appeal to cut jail sentence

Mar 14 2009 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

A DRIVER who killed a young graduate by ramming his car has launched a bid to cut his jail sentence.

Gary Forster admitted causing the death of Christopher Turnbull by dangerous driving and was told he would serve 10 years behind bars.

But The Journal has learned that Forster’s legal team has submitted an application for leave to appeal against the sentence. It has been lodged with London’s Court of Appeal.

Forster rammed his BMW Z4 roadster at up to 163mph into the car of 22-year-old Mr Turnbull who was making his way home after spending the evening with his girlfriend in Jarrow, South Tyneside.

Mr Turnbull’s father Steve said that the family was “absolutely devastated” by the appeal.

The crash happened on January 21 close to the Nissan factory in Washington, on the A19, in January 2008.

Keen climber Mr Turnbull was killed instantly in the crash which crushed his Ford Escort, propelling it into the air and crashing into a tree.

Forster, 39, of Curzon Place, Gateshead, then fled the scene after suffering only minor injuries.