Hit-and-run death: Emotional message from family of young dad as campaign reaches new milestone
A petition calling for a change to the law has reached 100,000 signatures
Last updated 9th Dec 2020
A petition to bring in tougher sentences for hit-and-run drivers, after the death of a young dad from Cornwall, has reached 100,000 signatures.
31-year-old Ryan Saltern lost his life after being hit by a car in St Teath last summer.
It is understood that he was lying in the road before the collision.
The incident was reported to police 36-hours after it happened.
The driver pleaded guilty to failing to stop and report an accident. He was handed a four month suspended sentence and given a 12 month driving ban.
The current law means that hit-and-run drivers face a maximum sentence of six months, where there is no other evidence of careless or dangerous driving.
But Ryan's family have been campaigning for a new stand-alone law, with a custodial sentence that cannot be suspended.
A petition calling for the change was launched and has now reached the 100,000 signatures needed for the issue to be debated in parliament.
Ryan's parents and family have thanked the community of Cornwall and everyone who has supported their campaign.
You can watch their emotional thank you below...
Ryan's dad, Mark Saltern, told us he hopes no other family has to experience the same grief and pain.
"It's been a living nightmare for the whole family.
"Ryan obviously wasn't just our son, he was a brother, a husband, a dad, an uncle, a nephew, a brother-in-law, son-in-law, and a grandson. He had such an amazing circle off friends who have been so supportive.
"We couldn't be prouder of Ryan and the man he became.
"He would help literally anyone, he did so much in his short life, so much for charities, he loved his sport, especially football and had a great circle of friends with football.
"He was a loving husband to Cath his wife, fantastic dad to their son Harry, and a role model for him, they had the perfect little family, and it's totally been destroyed.
"Ryan never had a bad bone in his body."
Mark Saltern, Ryan's dad
No date has yet been set for the debate in parliament.