A BARNSLEY MP is continuing to push for the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving to be raised to a life tariff following a tragedy in Brierley last year.
Stephanie Peacock, who represents Barnsley East, questioned the government in Parliament this week on what’s being done in light of 58-year-old Jacqueline Wileman’s death on Common Road.
Mrs Wileman was struck by a stolen HGV, which was speeding, before it failed to negotiate a left-hand bend and careered into her path before striking a house which had to be demolished due to the damage’s severity.
Following the recent change of Prime Minister, Stephanie asked the government on when it will bring forward legislation to enact changes, first promised nearly two years ago, which would see the current 14-year maximum term lifted.
“The government promised nearly two years ago that they would raise the maximum sentence for death by dangerous driving from 14 years to life,” she added.
“I will keep pushing the government to act until they do.”
The HGV’s driver, unlicensed 23-year-old Karn Hill, was also over the legal drink-drive limit and was given a ten-and-a-half year jail term in February.
Passengers Wayne Carroll, 29, and Alan Mawhinney, 53, each received a 12-and-a-half year sentence while another passenger, 48-year-old David Mellor, was given a 13-year term as he admitted originally taking the vehicle from his then-employer in a dispute over unpaid wages.
