MP opposes killer's early release

Mr Todd was run down by a car outside his pub in Pucklechurch

A campaign to keep the killer of a South Gloucestershire pub landlord in prison has been taken to parliament.

Alexander Dix was jailed for six years for the manslaughter of 56-year-old Bob Todd by running him over outside his pub in Pucklechurch in 2005.

Dix could be released on licence next month after serving only half of his six year sentence.

The local MP, Steve Webb, has taken a petition to the Commons calling for the killer to stay in jail.

Mr Webb said Mrs Todd had "lost her husband through the wilfully despicable act of one man" and that Dix should not be considered for early release.

'Not long enough'

"Three years for the death of another person is not long enough," he added.

"The consideration that space is needed in prisons should not impact on offenders' prison sentences by means of reducing them."

Father-of-two Mr Todd died when he was run over outside The Star Inn in August 2005.

The publican had earlier confronted a group of youths seen carrying out an attack on other youngsters on the village green.

A 2,000-name petition was started by the family of Mr Todd, who said they felt "let down" by the justice system after being told Dix could soon be released on licence.

His daughter Hayley said: "How can six years be enough for taking someone's life?

"On top of that, we've got to cope with the fact that he'll be free after three years."