AN EX-RAF corporal who caused the death of a young filmmaker after he knocked him off his scooter was spared a jail sentence yesterday.

Plasterer David Portch, 30, of Buckinghamshire, was driving a Toyota van at about 60mph when he hit Wilson Lau, 24, on the A40 Witney bypass at 5.15pm on December 3, 2013.

Portch, who served at RAF Brize Norton, admitted causing death by careless driving at Oxford Crown Court on January 5, and yesterday was sentenced to 300 hours of unpaid work.

Hong Kong-born Mr Lau, who lived in Kidlington, was travelling eastbound at about 30mph on his way home from work.

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The court heard Portch – who was checking his mirrors moments before – drove into the back of Mr Lau, knocking him from his scooter.

Mr Lau died of his injuries at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital two days later.

His family, including parents Andrew and Esther who flew in from Hong Kong for the hearing, said in a statement read to the court the pain caused by the loss of their only son was “beyond words”.

They said: “He was very talented, enthusiastic, full of life and always with a big smile on his face.

“The empty spot in our hearts will always be there.”

Oxford Mail:

  • David Portch

During the court hearing, Portch’s defence barrister Nicholas Syfret QC said some witnesses said Mr Lau was driving as slow as 15mph, claiming it was a factor in the accident.

Judge Peter Ross said he completely rejected the suggestion Mr Lau contributed to the crash.

But he said the fact Portch had shown remorse, helped the police and made the first 999 call at the scene were all to his credit.

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