Stop the Speeders: Panel to lobby courts for tougher sentences

A petition set up urging the Prime Minister Theresa May to introduce tougher sentences for killer drivers last night neared 500 signatures.

It is part of the campaign launched following the jailing of two men causing death by dangerous driving.

More on the Stop the Speeders campaign

• Callous killer drivers jailed for less than eight years each

• Heartbroken father backs campaign after death of daughter

• Express & Star comment: Why we must put a stop to killer drivers

Craig Edwards, 29, of Cumberland Road, Walsall, received a seven-year sentence for killing pedestrian John Hickinbottom in Walsall.

Kade Scrivens, 24, of Booth Street in Handsworth, received a seven-and-a-half prison sentence for killing cyclist John Harrison in Darlaston.

Darlaston Councillor Doug James said he would now invite other community leaders and MPs to join the panel, focusing on sentences and putting pressure on the court system to deliver 'suitable' punishment.

Councillor James said: "The leniency of the courts results in people being released far too early - we all want to see justice being done."

Councillor James' ward is where Scrivens drove a BMW at speed before losing control and hitting cyclist Mr Harrison, aged 59.

Wolverhampton Court heard how Scrivens, who was jailed for seven and a half years, then fled the scene on Midland Road.

He only handed himself into police 55 hours later after a public appeal.

Scivens took so long, according to Judge Simon Ward, because he had been high on drugs or drunk.

Councillor James said: "He will be out in less than four years, yet a community, a family has lost a loved one.

"People are still shaken by what happened, it will only compound their feeling when they find out the sentence.

"Something needs to be done about this, I support the Express & Star's campaign and will work with a panel for justice."

• To sign the petition, click here