'Everything went against our son Phil'

PHIL HOOPER'S father has welcomed the lengthy driving ban handed to the learner driver whose car hit his son. But he believes the tragic accident could have been avoided.

'It's just another step along the way to help us come to terms with what's happened,' said Alan Hooper.

'All the circumstances worked against Phil ' if only some had been different.'

Anthony Skipton, 17, admitted driving without due care and attention in relation to the incident in Fort Road in July.

'Unfortunately, circumstances were not good for our son,' said Mr Hooper.

'On that morning, if it had been somebody with experience and good headlights driving reasonably, this tragic accident might never have happened.'

Through his advocate, the defendant expressed his condolences to the family during the court sitting.

'We're now coming to terms with his death, but what's upsetting is the thought of what his life could have been like ' the fun and enjoyment of Phil growing up ' not just for us but for all the family and friends,' said Mr Hooper.

'With his sport he would have had a lot to look forward to, but it's not to be.'

He added that he still became emotional when the sun shone because Phil loved the fresh air and was always outside.

On top of the driving ban, Mr Skipton was fined a total of '1,250 for a string of driving offences, six committed in two separate incidents after he had been questioned about the Fort Road incident.

He was described by Magistrate Russell Finch as 'immature'.

'The young driver showed little respect for driving, laws or regulations before and since. He will have four years to grow up before he can drive again,' said Mr Hooper.

'We will go to visit our son's grave to remind us that not all things in life are fair.'

He added that the conclusion of the inquest would be the last step to finalising Phil's passing, but it was upsetting to hear in court about the last moments of his son's life.

A memorial bench now overlooks Phil's grave at Vale Church.

A framed picture of him playing football has been put up in the Vale Rec clubhouse.

He was captain of the Youth One team last season and had broken into the Priaulx side.

The club's youth coach, Tony Clarkson, worked with Phil for seven years as he came up through the ranks.

He said this knowledge and the possible sense of closure were the only positive things to come out of the case.

* No date has been set for the resumption of the inquest.