Family of Liverpool teenager killed in hit and run call for tougher sentences

The family of a Liverpool teenager killed in a hit and run driver have told Radio City the sentence handed down to the driver is an insult.

16 year old Thomas Edwards died after he was hit by a car near Sefton Park as he went to visit a friend.

The driver, 34 year old Patrick Smeda, was going three times over the speed limit as he raced another car.

In December he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was handed an 8 year sentence.

Judge Clement Goldstone QC said Smeda would not serve any of this sentence because he was out on license at the time.

Instead he's been re-called to prison to serve the rest of his 14 year sentence for armed robbery.

The Judge said the law wouldn't allow him to order the sentences to run consecutively.

Thomas' family have now started a petition calling on people convicted for causing death by dangerous driving to be handed life sentences

Speaking to Radio City News, Thomas' sister Natasha said: "It's like Thomas' life meant nothing. He was a 16 year old boy, he had everything to look forward to.

"Patrick Smeda had a life of crime, he didn't care, he came back out and he was committing crimes all over again"

Sister Caitlin said: "If he wouldn't have been out, Thomas would still be here, but not doing any more time for Thomas that broke us even more"

You can sign the petition by clicking the link here