THE family of a grandmother who was killed by a speeding police officer as he drove back from delivering a birthday card have spoken of their feelings for the killer.

Malcolm Searles was today sentenced to six-and-a-half years in jail.

He was driving at more than 50mph in a 30mph zone when his patrol car hit pedestrian Sandra Simpson at the junction of Homesdale Road and Gundulph Road, Bromley Common.

The 24-year-old, who had always dreamed of being in the police, carried out first aid on Mrs Simpson, of nearby Mornington Avenue, but she died at the scene on August 23 last year.

GPS tracker technology and a data recorder fitted to the car showed Searles, from Swanley, had been driving in excess of 100mph, at times with flashing blue lights and sirens on.

Searles, who has since been sacked from the Met, had been on his way back from dropping off a card for his sister at his parents’ house in North View, Swanley.

Southwark Crown Court heard how he had shown off to his uncle and father by taking them on a high-speed trip round Swanley before he headed back to Bromley police station.

An investigation was launched by the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which led to Searles being charged.

He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and dangerous driving at the court last month.

Mrs Simpson’s son-in-law Luke Brooks was in court today (October 26) to hear Searles sentenced.

Mr Brooks said: “As a family we are angry Sandy was robbed of her golden years.

“She was in the prime of her life, a fit, healthy and young 61.

“She was so looking forward to spending this time with her husband Peter, her children and her grandchildren.

“It upsets us to hear that while on his errand Malcolm Searles had been exceeding speed limits for up to one hour and 15 minutes, had taken a family member out for what has been described as a white knuckle ride and had reached speeds of over 100mph."

He added: “We are appalled the pointless death of someone we loved so much was caused by Malcolm Searles – immaturity, recklessness and behaviour that can only be described as a boy racer on an adrenaline rush.

“This is from someone who was supposed to be in a position of responsibility as an on-duty police officer.

“We do not feel the sentence is adequate in comparison to our loss.

“We hope today’s sentencing will cause other police officers to question their behaviour while driving and the potential consequence to them and the general public.”

In sentencing, Judge Jeffrey Rivlin told Searles: “You were not answering any emergency and there was certainly no excuse for driving so fast and irresponsibly.

“I think you were driving at such a speed that she never had a chance.

“Even as you were being driven away from the accident you were heard to say ‘I have killed her. I’m going to prison.’”

Searles has also been banned from driving for six years, will have points put on his licence and must pass an extended driving test before he is allowed to drive again.