A North-West daily is calling for a change in the law to allow tougher sentences for dangerous drivers who seriously injure their victims

The Bolton News has launched its Drive For Justice campaign after a schoolgirl was mown down and left fighting for her life by a dangerous driver.

Because of restrictions in the law, the driver concerned could only be jailed for two years.

The newspaper’s campaign also comes after Judge Steven Everett, who sentenced him, called on the government to increase the tariff for dangerous drivers who cause serious injury.

Editor in chief Ian Savage, said: “We echo the judge’s frustration in this case that the longest sentence he could impose – despite the horrific and life changing injuries suffered – was just two years.

“There is no doubt in my mind that this government should, as a matter of urgency, review the existing law and introduce a higher maximum tariff that can be used at the judge’s discretion if a victim of dangerous driving is seriously injured.

“It simply is not just that someone convicted of dangerous driving, who causes such inuries and devastation can get away with such a light sentence.

“This needs to be addressed quickly, so that the public sees that justice is being done.”

The campaign is being fully backed by the 14-year-old victims’s family.

The youngster, who was with four friends when she was hit by the speeding car, has been left with a fracture that runs from ear to ear under the front of her eyes.

She also suffered a cracked bone in her back, a bruised kidney, a fractured right arm and an ankle injury, as well as numerous cuts and bruises and damage to her eye sight and hearing.

Her mother said: “The law needs changing for good and the sentenced increased to quite a few years. I want this campaign to hit people in the face.”