Justice secretary praises our killer drivers campaign

Liz Truss MP said the Johnston Press Drive for Justice campaign worked ‘tirelessly’ for victims’ families.

It comes just days after the Ministry of Justice announced killer drivers may face life sentences, launching a public consultation.

The current 14-year maximum for causing death by dangerous driving has been widely-criticised.

And an investigation last month by Johnston Press reporters revealed that no-one in the UK has ever received the maximum sentence.

Mrs Truss’s comments came at a meeting with Havant MP Alan Mak who also backed the campaign that has sought to represent bereaved families.

In a statement, Mrs Truss said: “The Portsmouth News and its sister papers have tirelessly campaigned on this important issue - calling for tougher sentences for those who drive dangerously and kill on our roads.

“Nothing can compensate for the death of a loved one but the government wants to make sure the punishment fits the crime.”

Nearly 3,000 people have signed our petition since it was launched, supporting tougher sentencing and a shutting down of legal loopholes.

The government’s consultation also proposes increasing to a life sentence the maximum punishment for a charge of causing death by careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Among those to sign the petition are a number of people from the Northamptonshire area.

Michelle Mcewan, said: “My friend’s son was killed on his push bike by a drunk driver he didn’t get a long sentence for taking get a 21-year-old’s life.

And Northampton woman Claire Sultana, said: “My friend’s beautiful boy was killed by a drug driver, who made the decision to drive even though they knew it was illegal. The decision means killing is murder.”

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