Killer Aidan McAteer's sentence increased by 10 days for social media posts

Violet-Grace Youen's parents say the system has failed them

Aidan McAteer
Published 5th Oct 2017

A man who killed a four year old girl in a hit and run in St Helens has seen his sentenced increased by ten days, after using social media in prison

24 year old Aidan McAteer hit Violet-Grace Youens while driving a stolen car 80mph down a 30mph road back in March.

He fled to Amsterdam, but when he returned to the U.K he admitted causing death by dangerous driving.

McAteer is not due for release until December 2021.

In the summer, he marked his birthday by posting on Instagram. Social media is banned in prisons.

On a post on Facebook - Violet-Grace's dad Glenn said;

"He stepped over our baby girl lay broken in the road."

"Does the MOJ think an extra 10 days will bother him, hell just laugh at an extra 10 days while he's setting up his new Instagram page."

"The Ministry of Justice put out statements in the press that say they make sure prisoners know actions have consequences and that they will be dealt with."

A Ministry of Justice Spokesperson said

“This behaviour is completely unacceptable, and we are clear that those who break the rules will be punished and can face extra time behind bars."

“Following an internal investigation, an independent judge handed down additional days to the offender’s sentence. "

“We are taking decisive action to find and block mobile phones in prison, including a £2million investment in detection wands and legislation to block phones from being in prisons."