Family of young dad who died after Cornwall hit-and-run back bill calling for tougher sentences
Former Prime Minister, Theresa May, wants those convicted of causing death by dangerous driving to face life sentences
Last updated 8th Feb 2021
A north Cornwall family whose son died after a hit-and-run are backing Theresa May's calls for tougher sentences.
The former Prime Minister wants those convicted of causing death by dangerous driving to face life behind bars.
31-year-old dad Ryan Saltern lost his life after being hit by a car in St Teath in July 2019.
The driver pleased guilty to failing to stop and failing to report the accident.
He was handed a four-month suspended sentence and given a 12-month driving ban.
Ryan's dad Mark, from Delabole, tells us it has been especially tough for his son's wife and little boy.
"He was fantastic. He was so loved by so many people. Generous, kind and so funny. He raised so much for charity. I just couldn't fault him at all.
"He married his lovely wife Cath and they have their little boy Harry, who we adore.
"It's really difficult at times. Obviously we see Harry, at times, knowing he'll never grow up with his dad.
"It's been difficult losing Ryan but we're doing this so other families don't have to go through the grief we're going through. It's horrendous".
Ryan Saltern's dad, Mark
Since Ryan's death, his family have campaigned tirelessly for hit-and-run drivers to face tougher sentences.
In December 2020, their petition has received more than 100,000 which meant the matter would be debated in Parliament.
Although the driver was not convicted of causing death by dangerous driving, his family have welcomed Theresa May's calls.
Speaking in the Commons last week, the former Prime Minister called on the government for immediate action in its, yet to be delivered, sentencing bill.
"I'm sure that my right honourable friend is aware that my 10-minute rule bill would increase the maximum penalty for death by dangerous driving to life imprisonment.
"The policy and the bill have cross-party support. The policy has government support - the bill does not.
"The government says it will introduce the policy in its sentencing bill, of which we have seen, as yet, no sign.
"So will the government give time to my bill to ensure this necessary change is put on the statute book as soon as possible".
Theresa May
In response, Prime Minister Boris Johnson assured her that the policy would be included in its new sentencing bill.
"I'm very grateful to my right honourable friend and she's absolutely right to campaign for punishments that fit the crime and we're therefore bringing forward exactly those changes, Mr Speaker, in our forthcoming sentencing bill.
"And our proposals, I believe, will go as far if not even further than those that she wants by raising the maximum penalty for causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drugs or alcohol and they will tighten the law for those who cause serious injury by careless driving".
Prime Minister Boris Johnson
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Family from Cornwall launch petition for tougher hit-and-run sentences
Hit-and-run death: Emotional message from family of young dad as campaign reaches new milestone