MORE than 850 people have put their names to a petition criticising the sentence handed down to a motorist who caused the death of a father, his two children and the family dog.

David Logan was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in prison after he admitted causing death by dangerous driving.

The former soldier, 48, killed pedestrians Joshua James Flynn, Skylar Flynn, Coby-Jay Flynn and their pet dog Troy while the family members were out on a Father’s Day walk on Abbey Road near Dalton in June last year.

He was also banned from driving for 16 years.

The maximum sentence a judge could have handed down was 14 years. Logan would have been given credit for pleading guilty to the charges.

A petition set up on change.org said: "A sentence recently handed to Dave Logan for taking the lives of four family members whilst drunk at the wheel, with an alcohol level double the legal limit is an absolute disgrace.

"10 years and 10 months, a driving ban for 16 years this is just an insult to the whole Flynn family.

"The legal system needs a shake up and where better to start than trying to help a local family get some proper justice.

"Thoughts go out to the whole Flynn family and their friends."