The family of a woman killed when a lorry ploughed into a minibus expressed their anger after the driver was fined £600.

Stephen Coe, 48, of Newhaven, admitted driving carelessly when his lorry hit the bus travelling in the opposite direction.

The driver, Shiralee Hammond, 43, from Dereham, Norfolk, was killed and four passengers were injured.

Central Norfolk Magistrates Court heard the crash happened on the A47 at Necton, Norfolk, on December 18.

The court heard Coe, of Lewes Road, was driving towards Kings Lynn at 50mph. It was dark and the road was damp.

Vehicles in front of the lorry were some distance ahead and Coe had not seen one of them was indicating to turn right. He braked as soon as he saw brake lights on a car in front but his lorry started to slide.

Andrew Oliver, representing Coe, told the court: "He did not directly steer into the opposing lane, rather his vehicle veered in that direction."

Bench chairwoman Julia Richardson told relatives: "There is nothing we or anyone can do to compensate for the loss you have suffered."

She told Coe: "Factors in this case which make it more serious include the injuries and a death. You were also driving an HGV 10mph over the permitted limit.

"There was a high degree of carelessness in the conditions on that late afternoon."

Mrs Richardson also noted his previous clean driving record.

Coe was fined £600 and his licence was endorsed with nine points. He was also ordered to pay £60 costs.

Bereaved relatives erupted in anger in court when the fine was announced.

Police and a court usher, helped by the son of Mrs Hammond, restrained them as Coe left court.

When the verdict was announced, Mrs Hammond's sister, Tina, shouted at the magistrates: "That's all my sister's life is worth."

As Coe walked out, she told him: "You're all right. You can go back to your family tonight."