Government announces consultation on dangerous driving sentences

Mr and Mrs Brown-Lartey and Liz McInnes MP on BBC Breakfast News

Liz McInnes, MP for Heywood and Middleton, has welcomed news that the government are to begin a public consultation on changes to sentences for causing death by dangerous driving. The government is to propose life sentences for offenders.

The announcement follows years of campaigning by the families of victims, including Dawn and Ian Brown-Lartey whose son Joseph was killed in Rochdale in November 2014 by a driver doing 80mph in a 30mph zone. Under current sentencing guidelines, his killer is expected to serve just three years of a six year sentence.

Since becoming MP for Heywood and Middleton, Liz McInnes MP has supported the Justice for Joseph campaign.

Last week, Ms McInnes was among a number of MPs to sign a letter to the Justice Secretary Liz Truss MP calling for an urgent review of sentencing guidelines.

Ms McInnes appeared on BBC Breakfast yesterday (Sunday) alongside Mr and Mrs Brown-Lartey to welcome the announcement of the review. She said: "It is fantastic news that the government are finally going to review the sentencing guidelines for those found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving.

"Since becoming their MP and first meeting them I have been inspired by the dignity and determination of Dawn and Ian to get justice for their son.

"Sadly, their experience is far too common and the law has not delivered the justice they deserve.

"I would urge as many people as possible to take part in the consultation and make sure we get the right result."