Father in court over quadbike death

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Gary Cooke, 46, was also banned from riding quad bikes on public roads for two years.

Judge Christopher Ball QC said, during a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court, that Cooke's jail term would be suspended for two years.

The court heard that Cooke's daughter Elizabeth was hit by a Range Rover while riding behind a vehicle driven by her father on a narrow country lane at night near the family home in Blackmore, Essex.

Judge Ball said Cooke had been "grossly negligent" and "stupid".

"I don't suppose I am alone in remembering the shock of hearing the news on the radio when this happened," said the judge. "I don't suppose I was alone in immediately thinking 'what sort of a fool would allow his child out in such circumstances'. It was a moment of great folly and the consequences will remain with you for ever."

The judge said he had received many letters of support from Cooke's relatives and friends.

"You have a positive good character," added the judge. "A history of charitable work and of supporting members of the local community."

The judge also said Cooke had acknowledged his "stupidity" from the outset.