I was appalled to read that after killing a young man by driving dangerously on a major Sussex road (The Argus, January 22), the two defendants were not only acquitted of this very serious charge but were fined less than £500 each and punished with extremely short disqualifications from driving.

Is a young person's life worth less than £1,000? Are we really going to keep these two idiots off the road for only one or two years?

Although I am not in favour of unnecessary custodial sentences, surely a vastly bigger fine and a ten-year ban would be more appropriate?

The defendants were grown men who should not only be aware of the killing power of modern cars but should also be aware the A24 is not a racetrack.

Those guilty of causing death or serious injury through driving in a dangerous or careless manner should have to attend and help clear up some of the many accidents that take place every year on our roads.

Maybe if they had to go through the traumas faced by the police, fire and ambulance services in these circumstances, they would drive with more consideration and care.

Mr and Mrs Dey, the parents of the victim, and the young man's widow must be devastated.

After waiting so long for the case to come to court, they have to accept this travesty of justice.

This is one of many cases that should be looked at again to see if justice has really been done.

-Mrs Frances Greenfield, Greenfield Close, Southwick