Killer drivers set to face life in jail as government prepares to change sentencing law

Government vowed to change legislation in 2017 after a slew of horrific cases where young children had been killed on the roads.

The News’ Drive for Justice campaign called for life terms after teenagers Jasmine Allsop, 14, and Olivia Lewry, 16, were killed in Gosport in 2013.

Now reports say that drivers who kill while speeding, racing or using a mobile phone will face life, up from a current maximum of 14 years.

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage said: ‘Reckless and irresponsible driving, like that which stole the lives of Jasmine Allsop and Olivia Lewry must be taken seriously, I lobbied the then-prime minister for a change in the law in 2014.

‘The new proposal for tougher sentences is welcome.

‘I hope it will ensure drivers who kill face the full force of the law and will be of some comfort to families like Jasmine and Olivia’s.’

The Ministry of Justice consulted on the law change in 2017.

Changes to sentencing for death by dangerous driving are set to be tabled in a White Paper on Wednesday, The Daily Telegraph reported.

It has been named Violet-Grace's law, after four-year-old Violet-Grace Youens who was killed by a driver speeding in a stolen car in 2017 in Merseyside.

Her killer was handed a more than nine-year term.

In 2017 then justice minister Sam Gyimah announced the change and said: ‘Killer drivers ruin lives. While we can never compensate for the loss of a loved one, we are clear that the punishment must fit the crime.’

St Helens MP Helen Miller, who campaigned with Violet-Grace’s family, told the Telegraph: ‘There has been enough talk and discussion on this issue, now is the time for action.

‘The sentences for killer drivers have been far too lenient for far too long.

‘It’s time for the punishment to fit the crime.’