TODAY we bring you news of the attempt by a driver who caused a crash which killed his best friend to get back behind the wheel - three years early.

Michael Lock has served his time as a prisoner and that must be recognised.

But he has not served his time as a banned driver.

It is difficult to comprehend the thinking behind his application to have his six-year driving ban halved.

It is important to say his solicitor addressed the reasons behind the application. It is not to get back on the road and race around.

It is in order to work as a fulltime engineer in his dad's business.

But, just as Josh Irvine's parents state, their pain will never go away.

It was at best clumsy for Lock to apply for his licence to be returned so soon.

We often write in these pages about sentences handed down by judges being perceived as 'soft'.

In this case, Judge David Turner did not open himself up to ridicule.

Indeed, his quotes represent what many readers will think, namely the application was made too quickly.

Josh's mum Tracey's heartbreaking words will touch many parents who cannot even begin to imagine what pain they are going through.

Both Tracey and husband Patrick have always conducted themselves in an incredibly dignified way - yesterday was no different.