THE heartbroken children of an ‘amazing’ couple who died after a drink driver ploughed head-on into their car, have called on the Ministry of Justice to review its sentencing guidelines.
Shane Davis of Cirencester was sentenced to six years in prison last Wednesday, after he admitted to causing the death of William Day by careless driving on November 14 last year.
Mr Day, 82, known as John, died instantly when the speeding Davis veered onto the wrong side of a main road in Kemble and smashed into his car.
Mr Day’s wife, Chris, died in hospital nine days later from a heart attack, but doctors could not attribute her death directly to the crash, Gloucester Crown Court was told.
The site of the crash on the A429 in Kemble Enterprise Park
Davis, 26, who was 1.8 times over the alcohol limit, had already crashed into a stationary car before speeding away and just minutes later, causing the horrific head-on collision which killed the beloved grandfather.
“The past year has been an incredibly difficult time for our family,” said a statement from Mr and Mrs Day’s children Rosie, Suzanne and Colin Day. “To lose both our parents in “such a violent and tragic manner has broken our hearts. It was totally avoidable and the fault lies entirely with Mr Davis, whose behaviour over the past year has been abhorrent.
“Whilst we accept the court’s decision, it in no way reflects the crime committed and we strongly urge the Ministry of Justice to review its sentencing guidelines.
"New laws must be created that allow the police and the CPS to successfully prosecute dangerous drivers and give the courts the power to apply the appropriate sentences.
“This must never happen again.”
They went on to pay warm tributes to their late parents.
“Our parents were amazing people, the heart and soul of our family and can never be replaced.
“What happened to them will never be forgotten, but we will move on, together as a family and live our lives in a manner that would make them proud.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their overwhelming love and support at this extremely difficult time.”
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “Drivers who kill ruin lives and must face the full force of the law.
“While we can never compensate for the loss of a loved one, we are clear that the punishment must fit the crime.
“Last year, the government issued a consultation that will see the maximum sentence in this area increase from 14 years to life.
“We will announce our response to the consultation in due course.”
During last week’s sentencing, prosecutor Brendan Moorhouse told the court that since the tragedy, Davis had been making things worse for the family with insulting Facebook posts.
Davis, 26, of Fosse Close, was jailed for six years and banned from driving for six years, by Recorder Oba Nsugbe QC who told him: “It is unthinkable that a double tragedy has befallen this family in this way.”
He praised the way that relatives of Mr and Mrs Day had behaved with dignity as they sat in court hearing the distressing details of the crash.
“The manner in which they have held themselves and carried themselves is a tribute to their parents,” said the Recorder.
“I have heard heart wrenching evidence from the daughters. The pain and distress they have suffered is unimaginable.”
Shane Davis has been sentenced to six years in prison
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