Barbara has called on the Government to bring forward legislation to increase sentences in cases of causing death by dangerous driving.
This follows the tragic death of Jack Worwood, a 13 year old who was going to play football with his friends and walking on the pavement when he was hit by a vehicle. The driver, Liam Wilson, was going at nearly three times the speed limit without insurance, tax or an MOT and he fled the scene. Last week, Liam Wilson was sentenced to 6 years but after deductions is likely to only serve 2 years in prison.
Members of Jack Worwood’s family living in her constituency contacted Barbara to tell her that they are “devastated” at the lack of justice for Jack.
The Government has repeatedly committed to increasing the sentences in cases such as this, but has not yet brought forward any legislation. The former Prime Minister, Theresa May, has introduced a Private Members Bill to legislate for tougher sentences, and Barbara Keeley is calling on the Government to either support this or bring forward their own proposals to ensure that families such as Jack’s receive the justice they deserve in future.
Theresa May’s Bill would increase the maximum sentence in death by dangerous driving cases to life imprisonment, allowing judges to take into account a range of factors while ensuring that the most serious offenders are not released after only a few years.
Commenting, Barbara said:
“It is shameful that the Government is continuing to ignore this problem, meaning that someone who has killed a young person through their dangerous driving might serve only two years in prison. The Government claims that it is serious about strengthening our justice system but their inaction shows they are failing to do so.
“I fully support efforts by Theresa May and other campaigners to force the Government’s hand on this issue. Families like Jack Worwood’s deserve justice and the Government must act as a matter of urgency to ensure this happens.”
Barbara raised the issue in a question to the Acting Leader of the House of Commons today. She said:
“On 16th October, the Death by Dangerous Driving (Sentencing) Bill is listed 9th for debate. As it is unlikely to be reached that day, can the Acting Leader of the House commit to a debate in Government time on this issue, given that both this Government and the previous one have committed to legislate to increase sentences for dangerous driving?”
In response, Stuart Andrew said “I will certainly raise this specific case with the Attorney General.”
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