Marianne Joy's Law: parents of Marianne Haboc call for change in law to impose stricter driving laws

The parents of 11-year-old schoolgirl Marianne Haboc, who was tragically killed as she walked home from school, are calling for a change in the law.

William and Joanna Haboc have launched a petition for stricter driving laws – Marianne Joy’s Law – including changing driving on the pavement from careless driving to dangerous driving.

Marianne was sadly killed in October 2018 when she was walking home from school. She was struck by careless driver Sobia Aftar’s Range Rover Evoque when it was driven onto the pavement on Taylor Street.

She later admitted causing Marianne’s death by careless driving, and in July last year, Aftar was sentenced to 20 months in prison – described by the Habocs are “lenient, unfair and unjust.”

The maximum prison sentence the court can impose for causing death by dangerous driving or careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs is 14 years; for causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving, it is five years.

The difference between dangerous and careless driving is the standard of driving. For causing death by dangerous driving, the standard of driving must fall far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver; whereas for careless driving, the standard of driving must merely fall below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver. 

Prior to sentencing, Aftar and her family had attempted to leave the country after originally being released under investigation.

William said: “Marianne was our only daughter and she was our lives. At school, she went out of her way to help other children with whatever they needed. She was even elected as an officer at her school so she could continue helping others. She was enthusiastic for sport and was so intelligent.

“The offender has now served ten months in prison for careless driving – less time than we have spent off work after Marianne’s death.”

William and Joanna both want a review into Marianne’s case, and hope a change in legislation will reduce the frequency of similar incidents in the country.

William told Rochdale Online: “I am well determined to push this forward and bring this petition onto parliament’s agenda. The law needs changing and the only way to do that is to bring more voices together.

“What we want is to make a difference now and raise awareness. We want to give a meaning to Marianne’s death. Changing the law will save more young lives.

“We want a change in the law for the country, not just our family.”

The Habocs also want the government to prohibit inexperienced drivers from driving high-powered vehicles for at least one year after passing their practical driving test, and to also consider related harassment or intimidating behaviour from an offender’s family to be considered as part of the same case.

To support Marianne Joy’s Law, and sign the Habocs’ petition, please visit:

• www.change.org/p/parliamentary-marianne-joy-s-law