Death prompts motoring law change

The death of a Leicestershire boy has helped inspire a change in the law affecting drivers.

Callum Deacon, 12, died in June 2004, when he was hit by a motorcycle while playing on his bike with friends.

The rider was convicted of driving without due care and attention and received a fine and penalty points.

But from Monday, motorists who are proved to have been distracted by something while driving could be jailed if they kill someone.

Callum's family campaigned along with others for a new offence of causing death by careless driving.

"No more fines, no more penalty points, I'm afraid it's going to be prison"
Ch Insp Andrew Charlton

Ivan Deacon, his father, said: "We're hoping that with the new law in, people will basically drive with more care - and people's lives will be saved."

Callum's mother Mandy added: "Hopefully with (the new law) coming through it can give us a little bit of closure."

Police are hoping the new law - which could mean five years in prison for serious offenders - will act as a deterrent.

Ch Insp Andrew Charlton, of Nottinghamshire Police, said motorists needed to accept careless driving could land them in jail.

He said: "The penalties that have been attached to these new offences are severe. We're talking, in the main, custodial sentences.

"So no more fines, no more penalty points, I'm afraid it's going to be prison.

"Drive and accept that once you get behind the wheel, it is 100% concentration activity until the minute you get out."