The Government has announced that drivers who cause death by speeding, racing, or using a mobile phone could face sentences equivalent to manslaughter, with maximum penalties raised from 14 years to up to life.
Claire Perry has campaigned for this change since learning of the death of James Gilbey, son of her Constituents, Major Richard and Mrs Angela Gilbey from Upavon. James was killed in Leeds by two men racing their cars at 90mph in a 40mph zone, for which the drivers received an eight year sentence with an automatic tariff reduction to four years.
Commenting on this announcement, Claire said:
“I’m so pleased that tougher sentences for the worst driving offences will soon be introduced. I have campaigned alongside Major Gilbey for the past year for this change, and it is great that the government has confirmed that it is determined to act. Nothing will bring James back but a change in the law that puts the worst cases of this crime on a level with manslaughter is a step towards achieving Justice for James and his family.”
Major Richard Gilbey said:
“James’ death was a life sentence for my family and I, and I hope that tougher jail sentences will act as a real deterrent to dangerous drivers so that other families do not suffer as we have. My thanks go to Claire for her support and her tireless work in helping to make the case so strongly in Parliament for changes to the law.”