Death drivers face 14 years

Reckless driving could be treated as severely as abduction

Drivers who cause death on the roads could face up to 14 years in prison under changes in the Criminal Justice Bill.

If it is passed by Parliament, reckless driving will be treated as severely as abduction, blackmail or some of the worst types of armed robbery and could attract the longest term a court can hand out without imposing a life sentence.

Families of people killed by motorists have welcomed the amendment - to be published on Monday.

The maximum term for joy-riding would also be increased from five to 14 years in England and Wales.

Home Office minister Hilary Benn told BBC News: "We understand the terrible pain and suffering families feel.

'Devastating'

"The actions of dangerous and irresponsible drivers, that result in someone losing their life are devastating, not only for the victims and their families but for the whole community."

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Simon Hughes said: "For too long, dangerous and reckless drivers, who have caused death or injury, have got away too lightly in the courts.

"Many families will welcome the new plans, which will make clear that killing by driving is no more acceptable than killing by other means."

The man who caused Rebecca's death had 89 previous convictions

Road safety groups have said motorists who kill because they are driving dangerously or while drunk, drugged or joy-riding are treated too leniently.

Groups lobbied the Home Office for a change in the law in February after Ian Carr drove a stolen car through a red light and into a vehicle driven by Stephen Sawyer, killing his daughter Rebecca, six, and critically injuring her 18-month-old sister Kirsty, before driving off.

The 27-year-old, from Ashington had 89 previous convictions and was already banned from driving for life.

He was sentenced to nine-and-a-half years in prison.