Family and friends of a couple killed by a drink-driver today reacted with outrage and disbelief after his prison sentence was cut by almost a third.

Three top judges at London's Appeal Court ruled that the sentence was "too long" and reduced Daemon Mackay's jail term from five to three-and-a-half years.

Stephen and Susan Groves, of Selby, were killed when their Vauxhall Corsa was hit from behind by Mackay's Ford Mondeo while he was one-and-a-half times the drink-drive limit.

Selby MP John Grogan said today he would be bringing this "shocking case" to the attention of Home Secretary Jack Straw who had recently announced a crackdown on serious motoring crimes.

Mr Grogan said: "This sad case is one reason why we need to increase sentences in cases of causing death by drink-driving."

The couple's Corsa was shunted into a tree at the side of the A1041 near Camblesforth as the couple were on their way to pick up their 16-year-old daughter.

Mr Groves was catapulted through the rear window on to the road where he was struck by another car, while Mrs Groves shot through the closed sunroof.

Lord Justice Kay said yesterday that the sentencing judge at York Crown Court had accepted Mackay's plea that he had only been going slightly over the 60mph limit.

Five years was too long in the circumstances, he said.

A family member, who did not want to be named said they were appalled by the decision.

He said Mackay could end up serving 21 months with remission for good behaviour. That was less than two years for two lives, which was not justice.

"What kind of message does this send out to drink drivers? It's a disgrace," he said.

Traffic Constable Grant Gibson, who dealt with the incident, said: "I'm quite shocked - I thought the original sentence was reasonable and fair."

Justin Crossley, for Mackay, said the sentence was "manifestly excessive" in view of his client's guilty plea. The authorities had also stated that sentences of five years should only be imposed in "the very worst cases".

He said Mackay and his family had suffered widespread abuse from the local community since the accident, including a death threat, and he wished he could turn the clock back.

Updated: 10:21 Friday, January 19, 2001