The Newcastle Evening Chronicle is calling for the maximum sentence for death by dangerous driving to be increased so that joyriders and repeat offenders can be jailed for life.

The North East newspaper has launched its Justice for Rebecca campaign following the death of six-year-old Rebecca Saywer.

Rebecca was killed instantly when the car she was in was hit by a stolen Vauxhall Astra being driven by Ian Carr. Her 20-month-old sister, Kirsty, is still in hospital.

Carr admitted causing death by dangerous driving and had killed before behind the wheel of a stolen car, but was only given nine-and-a-half-year jail sentence.

The maximum sentence is 10 years and he had to be given a discount for confessing.

The Home Office is currently looking to extend the maximum sentence to 14 years, but the Chronicle is now campaigning to give courts the power to jail killers like Ian Carr for life.

Commenting on the launch of the campaign, editor Paul Robertson said: “While the family will have to spend the rest of their lives trying to come to terms with the death of their beloved daughter, Carr will be back on the streets in his thirties.

“This was not a one-off moment of madness from Carr, he is a serial offender with a string of crimes behind him.

“Nor was it the first time Carr’s reckless actions had resulted in a death. His speed craze had already cost a young pal’s life in 1990.

“The laws on repeat offenders, like Carr, need to be tightened up and sentences that can be handed out for motoring offences where there is a death need to be reviewed.

“The family of Rebecca Sawyer are serving a life sentence. Carr deserves to serve the same.”

Back to the campaigns index

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]