A Suffolk mother left devastated when a drink driver killed her son but was given just five years in jail is backing plans to lock up careless motorists for life.
Jayne Jones, whose 20-year-old son Aiden was killed in a head-on crash involving a drink driver near Stowmarket eight years ago, is backing stricter punishments being pushed forward by the Government – and believes they could save lives.
Drink and drug drivers and those who use their phones at the wheel could be handed life sentences under new legislation drawn up by the Ministry of Justice. Currently, motorists convicted of causing death by dangerous driving and death by careless driving through drink or drugs can receive a maximum of 14 years in jail.
Thousands of people backed the tougher sentences during a public consultation – bolstering the campaign in a move which has been welcomed by Aiden’s family.
Nicholas Kemp, then 36 and formerly of Eastward Place, Stowmarket, was jailed for five-and-a-half years in 2011 after admitting causing Aiden’s death by careless driving while under the influence – but Mrs Jones said they were originally told he could serve up to 14 years inside.
“When it first happened we were told he (Kemp) could get anything up to 14 years,” she added. “In the end he only got jailed for five. I was exasperated and felt I couldn’t get proper justice for Aiden.
“I personally think it’s disgusting that these drivers are killing people like my son and seem to get away with it with really lenient and small sentences which don’t do the victims justice in any shape or form. He (Kemp) made that choice and Aiden was killed and I would definitely support tougher sentences – it’s exactly what we need to stop these drivers. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens.”
Popular Aiden died in the head-on crash on Badley Hill between Stowmarket and Needham Market in 2009.
His family set up a charity, called AJ’s Legacy, in his memory.
Mrs Jones said: “A car is a lethal weapon and when you are driving you have the power to take away someone’s life whenever you choose. I hope these new laws if they are brought in hammer home just how devastating the consequences of people’s actions can be. Something like this could save lives because it will make people think twice.”
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