Last year, over 600 people were killed by dangerous drivers. Amongst these was 22-year old Jamie Butcher, a promising student at Manchester University.

His killer is likely to be out of prison in LESS THAN TWO YEARS, because of Britain's sentencing guidelines. Yet Jamie's family have received a life sentence.

Sadly, this is not uncommon. Last year, over 150 drivers who killed DID NOT GO TO PRISON AT ALL. Only 37 received more than five years.

No sentence can bring back a loved one; but it can make sure justice is done. We need tougher sentences for dangerous drivers who kill.

Please help us to ensure that families left behind get justice.

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION NOW.

Dear local MP,

 

Bereaved families find that the sentences handed down to dangerous and careless drivers who kill are inadequate.

 

For example, a promising 22 year old student, Jamie Butcher was killed on a pedestrian crossing by a driver who went through a red light doing TWICE the speed limit. 

 

His killer, who has never shown any remorse, received a sentence which means it is likely he will serve LESS THAN TWO YEARS in prison.

 

The maximum sentence available was increased to 14 years in 2004; however the will of Parliament is not being reflected in tougher sentences.  Of those convicted in 2011, one in three killer drivers did not go to jail at all. Only one in ten received more than 5 years.

 

Judges say they are constrained by "sentencing guidelines", which make it difficult for them to hand out the tough sentences which are appropriate for drivers who kill.

 

In addition, many offenders are only charged of the lesser offence of "Causing Death by Careless Driving", even when the more serious charge would be more appropriate.  This means the sentence available is limited.

 

Will you support the campaign at StopDangerousDrivers.com, and please write to the Lord Chancellor on my behalf, asking him to:

 

·         Submit a proposal to the Sentencing Council to review the guidelines for Causing Death by Dangerous Driving.

·         Review whether the lesser offence of Causing Death by Careless Driving could be abolished leaving Causing Death by Dangerous Driving as the appropriate charge for drivers that kill. 

 

Also, please add your support to the campaign by signing the petition at www.StopDangerousDriving.com.