The Birmingham Evening Mail is claiming a victory in its battle to jail drink and drug killer drivers for life.

An amendment to the Government’s Criminal Justice Bill has been tabled to increase the maximum sentences for causing death by dangerous driving from 10 to 14 years, and the Evening Mail is hailing it as a step in the right direction.

The newspaper began campaigning for a change in the law following the death of three-year-old Isobel Appleton, who was mowed down on a pelican crossing.

And its campaign attracted more than 5,500 signatures after it revealed the killer driver had been jailed for just five years despite being under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash.

Evening Mail editor Roger Borrell said: “Our readers around the world gave this campaign overwhelming backing and I’m glad the Government has taken notice.

“However, it’s a terrible shame that Isobel and many other youngsters had to lose their lives before something was done.

“I would like to thank her family for showing great courage in helping us to close this loop-hole.”

The Newcastle Evening Chronicle has also welcomed the move – although it has vowed to keep on fighting for courts to be given the power to impose life sentences.

The newspaper has also been campaigning for tougher sentencing which would allow joyriders and repeat offenders causing death by dangerous driving to be jailed for life.

Its Justice for Rebecca was sparked by the death of six-year-old Rebecca Saywer who was killed instantly when the car she was in was hit by a stolen Vauxhall Astra.

Evening Chronicle editor Paul Robertson said: “The fight goes on. The courts should have the power to impose life sentences for such crimes and we will be lobbying the Home Office until that happens.”

Back to the campaigns index

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