Wisbech crash death campaigners back sentence review

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-21506715

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The family of a Cambridgeshire man who died when he was knocked over by a speeding car have backed a review of sentences given to drivers who kill.

The driver, who ran a red light at 58mph, killing Jamie Butcher in Wisbech in 2011, was given a 43-month sentence.

Justice minister Chris Grayling has asked the Sentencing Council to review guidelines which make it difficult for judges to give out tougher sentences.

Mr Butcher's stepfather Steve Green said he was "delighted" with the news.

The 22-year-old psychology graduate, was killed instantly in February 2011 when 40-year-old Michael Moore, of Murrow Lane, Parson Drove, crashed into him on a pelican crossing.

Moore was jailed for causing death by dangerous driving in April 2012.

'Absolute insult'

The family set up the <a href="http://www.justiceforjamie.co.uk/" >Justice for Jamie</a> campaign because they felt the driver's sentence was "an absolute insult".

"It's too late in our case now, but since we started the campaign we've had an awful lot of families throughout the country getting in touch with us about a very similar stories," said Mr Green

"A two-year sentence seems to be about the norm."

Since 2004, the maximum sentence drivers can receive for death by dangerous driving is 14 years.

The family's MP, North East Cambridgeshire MP Stephen Barclay, arranged a meeting with the justice minister in January so they could discuss their campaign.

Mr Green said he was "absolutely delighted with the decision the Sentencing Council is going to review sentences".

Mr Barclay who set up his own e-petition <a href="http://www.stopdangerousdrivers.com/" >Stop Dangerous Drivers</a>.