Mr Loophole defends rabbi death claim

Afterwards, Mr Freeman, known as Mr Loophole for saving celebrities from driving bans, blamed the rabbi's traditional black clothing. He said: "Had Mr Steinberg been wearing something reflective, this tragic collision might well have been averted.

"Sadly, because he was 'invisible', Mr Steinberg has lost his life, his family are left distraught, the community has been robbed of a much-loved and respected rabbi, and a young man must live with the guilt for the rest his life."

Manchester MP John Leech, former Lib Dem transport spokesman, said Mr Freeman was "trying to defend the indefensible". He said: "To suggest that someone who normally wears dark clothing to wear reflective clothing so that careless drivers are less likely to hit them is ludicrous."

But Mr Freeman responded: "If you look at the Crown Prosecution's sentence guidelines, a factor is contributory negligence from the pedestrian - that is the law. The driver is responsible and admitted that on a limited basis, but unfortunately the pedestrian also bears responsibility."

Rabbi Steinberg's son-in-law, Cyril Rose, himself a solicitor, said: "What has made the family seething is not the defendant's sentence but Mr Freeman apportioning the blame for the death to my father-in-law and away from a man who was driving carelessly."