In plans originally announced back in December 2017, the Government is introducing tougher jail times for anyone convicted of causing death by dangerous driving – which can include motorists who are racing, speeding, using their phone or who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Violet-Grace Youens, four, was left in the road after being struck at 83mph by convicted burglar Aidan McAteer, 23, in a stolen Ford Fiesta. Her mother Rebecca has welcomed the announcement after saying her life was ‘ruined,’ by the tragedy.
He was jailed for nine years and four months after admitting her death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury to Violet Grace’s grandmother, Angela French, 58.
McAteer had run two red lights before the March 2017 crash and stepped over Violet-Grace’s prone body as he fled the scene in St Helens, Merseyside.
He then went on the run to Amsterdam but was shopped by his own mother.
Yesterday Justice Secretary Robert Buckland announced ‘Violet-Grace’s law’ was being introduced, meaning motorists who cause death by speeding, racing or using a mobile phone could face life terms from next year.
There will also be tougher penalties for those who kill under the influence of drink or drugs.
On Sunday night Violet-Grace’s father, Glenn, 33, said the legislation was his daughter’s ‘legacy’. +6
She was left in the road after being struck at 83mph by convicted burglar Aidan McAteer (pictured), 23, in a stolen Ford Fiesta
Mr Youens, a specialist interior finisher, said: ‘The system is supposed to be on the side of victims, not criminals, now hopefully this new law will help families feel like they have justice.
‘It won’t make a difference to us, but Violet saved two lives through organ donation and now maybe countless more will be saved if a life sentence acts as a deterrent to anyone thinking of getting behind the wheel and driving recklessly or under the influence of drink.
