AddThis SmartLayers

Alexine's Law success follows pressure from Telegraph

Home Office plans to enforce tougher sentences for drivers who kill have been welcomed by the Evening Telegraph.

The Northamptonshire paper has been fighting for a change in the law for the past 12 months, after youngster Alexine Melnik was killed in a road accident – with the driver responsible being fined £500 with nine points on his driving licence after admitting careless driving.

“Alexine’s Law” was launched back in November 2004, to secure tougher sentencing imposed by the courts on those who cause death by dangerous driving.

The Evening Telegraph backed 17-year-old Alexine’s family in their quest with support from former Wellingborough and Rushden MP Paul Stinchcombe.

He raised the issue in Parliament and worked tirelessly with the family to bring about the change in Parliament before successor Peter Bone Tory MP continued his fight for justice.

The introduction of a new offence of causing death by careless driving, with a maximum sentence of five years in prison marks a victory for the campaign. A new offence of causing death when driving when unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured, with a penalty of up to two years in jail, will also be created under amendments to the Road Safety Bill.

The paper’s front page article when the changes were proposed said: “Today we all have reason to feel justice is finally being done as this morning came the news that an amendment to include this law has been made to the Road Safety Bill, which has been backed by many MPs including Mr Stinchcombe’s successor Peter Bone and Prime Minister Tony Blair. Now it is up to all MPs to make it law. ”