Dangerous drivers who kill are set to face life sentences, under plans put forward by ministers and backed by local MP Mark Pawsey.
Alongside discussing these proposals with the Secretary of State for Justice, Elizabeth Truss MP and the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Prisons and Probation Justice, Sam Gyimah MP, Mark also highlighted the work of Rugby residents George and Giulietta Galli-Atkinson during Justice Questions. The couple, originally from London, founded the Livia Award in memory of their daughter who was killed in 1998 after a driver mounted the pavement. The Livia Award recognises the work of individual police officers during road death investigations.
Livia’s killer was found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, but received only a fine. Since their daughter’s tragic death, the couple have campaigned for stricter penalties for driving offences. Mark asked the Justice Minister whether the proposed reforms might help achieve the families hope for tougher sentencing.
In his reply, the Minister praised the Galli-Atkinson’s for their campaigning and emphasised that the proposals would give the courts the tools they needed to properly punish dangerous driving. Drivers causing death by speeding, street racing or while on a mobile phone would face the same sentences as those charged with manslaughter under the new rules.
In addition, offenders who cause death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs could also be handed life sentences, an increase on the current 14 year upper limit.
Speaking after meeting with the Minister, Mark said:
“It has been a great privilege to support the Livia Awards and the work of the Galli-Atkinson’s as Rugby’s Member of Parliament. I was very keen to raise with my colleagues in the Ministry of Justice the importance of their campaign and the need to ensure that those who cause death by dangerous driving are properly held to account.”
Mark continued:
“Whilst we can be proud that the UK has one of the best records for road safety in the world, cases like that of Livia Galli-Atkinson demonstrate that there is clearly more work to be done. I welcome that the Government is consulting on strengthening the law on dangerous driving and I would encourage all interested residents to take part in the consultation on the Ministry of Justice’s website.”
Justice Minister Sam Gyimah added:
“Killer drivers ruin lives. Their actions cause immeasurable pain to families, who must endure tragic, unnecessary losses. While impossible to compensate for the death of a loved one, we are determined to make sure the punishment fits the crime. My message is clear – if you drive dangerously and kill on our roads, you could face a life sentence.”