Family and friends raise glass at verdict

AFTER the verdict members of Barry Chilver's family and friends met to celebrate the news at a memorial bench which they have dedicated in his honour near Torquay seafront.

Barry died within a few hundred yards of his parents' Shiphay home when he was walking back home from a night celebrating in town.

Taxi driver Brian Carpenter was found guilty of failing to stop at the scene at court in Newton Abbot.

Dad Barry Chilver senior, of Avon Road, Shiphay, said: "We felt like it was a good result, although not for the driver. He should have acted better, not leave a body in the road, not even knowing whether he was alive or dead. It was totally irresponsible.

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"At one stage we were told he would be let off any driving charges completely."

Barry's friend and fellow DJ Barry Hough is organising a tribute night to commemorate the first anniversary of Barry's death.

He said: "It's nice to see that justice has been done. You don't just go to the toilet and leave someone dying on the street."

Barry's mum Jill, who had to leave the trial at one stage because she found the details too distressing, said: "We know it has affected him, and we know he's sorry, but we just wanted him to accept responsibility for his actions."

Barry's older brother Tom Newman said: "I'm satisfied with the outcome but it's no compensation for the loss of my brother."

Sister Michelle Newman said: "In court it was a shock to hear him say that he went to the toilet rather than seeing if my brother was alive."

Sister Kelly Chilver said: "We know it was an accident but we still think it was wrong that he drove away."

The tribute night will be held at Blu Cargo, where Barry often played, on Friday November 2.