Killer drivers to face life sentences

Motorists who cause death by speeding, street racing or while on a mobile phone are among those who could be handed the maximum punishment, Justice Minister Dominic Raab announced on Sunday.

Thousands of people backed tougher penalties for the most serious road offences in a public consultation after the plans were announced in December last year.

Offenders who cause death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs could also face life sentences.

A new offence of causing serious injury through careless driving is also to be created.

Increasing punishments for dangerous drivers is a key component of the Telegraph & Argus Stop the Danger Drivers campaign.

Sarah Harrison’s mother Mary Byrne, 51, died in Mandale Road, Horton Bank Top, Bradford, in April 2013.

She had been thrown from a minicab when it was hit by a car travelling at 60mph.

Thomas Healey, of Clayton, was jailed for six years, and Joseph Robinson, of Clayton, was imprisoned for five years and three months, for causing Mrs Byrne’s death by dangerous driving.

The pair had been racing when Robinson’s BMW car smashed into the cab. Healey fled the scene.

“This is excellent news at last,” said Mrs Harrison.

“For too long sentences have been too lenient and they have been an insult to families who have lost someone through dangerous driving.

“The sentences should reflect the severity of what the driver has done and I hope stiffer sentences will act as a deterrent.

“It’s not enough as it stands. They (the drivers) showed zero remorse for my mum.

“If people know they could get life for killing someone, perhaps they will think of the consequences.

“Their cocky attitudes may just change if they are told they are going to get life.

“It will also help families a little bit knowing justice has been served and it will be a bit more closure.

“As it stands they are out in no time and spending time with their own families while those who have lost someone will never see them again.

“I read recently of someone being given four and a half years in prison for burglary. How does that compare to a six-year and five-and-a-half-year sentence for killing someone through dangerous driving?

“These people are then let out after serving part of it so they can be back with their families.

They can see their families at Christmas while others who have lost a loved one can’t.

“I shouldn’t be able to bump into either of these people who were responsible for my mum’s death but I have done.

“I really want to think that tougher sentences will have the right effect. It is what I and a lot of people have been asking for.

Judith Cummins, Labour MP for Bradford South, has strongly supported the T&A’s campaign and raised the issue in Parliament on several occasions.

She said: “I welcome the plans for tougher sentences for dangerous drivers. I have long called for these changes, for the sentences to fit the crime, as too many families have not seen justice done when they have lost a loved one.

“The success of the Stop the Danger Drivers achieved by the T&A and the road safety charity Brake shows how important campaigning newspapers and charities are in highlighting important issues.

“However, the rising number of deaths on our roads show that we need more investment by Government in police numbers. We must make sure that those who keep us safe have the resources they need.”

Jason Wakeford, director of campaigns for Brake, said there had been a four per cent rise in road deaths since 2015.

“The announcement is a major victory for the families of victims and charities, including Brake, who have tirelessly campaigned for punishments which better fit road crimes that kill and seriously injure people.

“We applaud the Government for at last recognising that the statute books have been weighed against thousands of families who have had their lives torn apart through the actions of drivers who have flagrantly broken the law.

“In addition to tougher penalties, Government must also make road policing a national priority, reversing savage cuts to front line resources so that laws are properly enforced in the first place.

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“Figures released only last month reveal that almost 1,800 people were killed on British roads last year - a four per cent rise since 2015.

“There is an urgent need for a road collision investigation branch, similar to those already in existence for air, rail and sea, so that lessons can be learned to prevent future deaths and serious injuries on the roads.”