THE FAMILY of a four-year-old girl who was killed in a hit-and-run have slammed Labour’s plans to let out prisoners early – calling it an “insult” to their daughter’s memory.
Rebecca and Glenn Youens have campaigned for years to ensure that dangerous drivers who kill face life imprisonment in memory of their daughter Violet-Grace, who died in 2017.
Her killers were captured on CCTV running her over whilst doing 80mph in a stolen car in a 20mph zone, before callously running past her while she lay dying to escape the police, rather than helping her.
Driver Aidan McAteer, who fled to Amsterdam after the crash, was jailed for nine years and four months for Violet-Grace’s death but only served about half his sentence.
He received more time whilst behind bars for sharing sickening posts on Instagram complaining about the conditions within prison – and showed no remorse for killing little Violet-Grace.
Passenger Dean Brennan admitted aggravated vehicle taking and assisting an offender. He was jailed for six years and eight months and also served only half of his sentence.
In 2022 Violet-Grace’s parents successfully changed the law to ensure judges can hand down life behind bars – but now they fear Labour’s Sentencing Bill is undermining that promise.
Criminals found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving will be eligible for early release under the Government’s plans to reform the justice system.
The Sentencing Bill is being debated in the House of Commons this week where it will be scrutinized by MPs.
Dad Glenn told The Sun: “As a family, it’s disappointing, and we feel like we’re let down again by the government
“How many chances do these people get, you know, and what kind of deterrent is that for people in the future as well?
“You can kill a four-year-old child, seriously injured somebody, and serve just over four years in prison.
“We know it’s never going to change things for our family. Violet should have turned 13 last week, and yet instead of celebrating Violet’s birthday and her becoming a teenager, and discovering all new things, what she would be like, we find ourselves here again, trying to get things changed so other families don’t go through the same thing.
“It’s a never ending sentence for us so why do they get such a short term in prison? It’s not a deterrent.”
The Conservatives say more than 2,000 prisoners serving sentences for rape, stalking and grooming will have their jail time cut because of the government’s new sentencing plan.
Shadow justice minister Kieran Mullan has called the government’s plan “a betrayal of victims”.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Violet-Grace Youens. Dangerous driving destroys lives – that’s why we increased the maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous driving was increased from 14 years imprisonment to life.
“The Government inherited a prison system on the brink of collapse and through our landmark sentencing reforms, we will ensure the most dangerous offenders remain locked up.”
