Rutland's road users warned as life sentences brought in for killer drivers
The maximum penalty will be raised from 14 years
From today, new rules coming into force as a result of our Justice for Joseph campaign will see killer drivers in Stamford and Rutland face life in prison.
Judges will now be able to give life sentences to dangerous drivers who kill, and careless drivers who kill under the influence of drink or drugs.
Jonathan Clarkson, from Leicestershire and Rutland's Road Safety Partnership said he was "very encouraged" by the change, and took the opportunity to warn rural road users that less speed cameras doesn't mean the police won't catch those breaking the law:
'I was seriously injured by a drunk driver in my case, that was over 30 years ago. That was someone drinking and driving in 1990 - and this still goes on now.'
'Rutland doesn't have any road side cameras, so obviously our camera vans are out there, police officers are out there as well particularly catching drink and drug drivers and we do hold regular FATAL4 operations as well, so it is hammering home the message to drivers, it's just not really worth it.'
'If you do take those chances it could end incredibly badly, not only for you if you kill or seriously injuring someone but also thinking about your own livelihood. Don't think by it's relative rurality that Rutland is ignored by Leicestershire Police because it most certainly isn't.'
A new offence
The change comes as a result of the Police, Crime Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Act - which will see the previous maximum penalty of 14 years raised substantially.
A new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving will also come into effect, meaning those who inflict long-term or permanent injuries will also face tougher sentences.
Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Dominic Raab said: "Too many lives have been lost to reckless behaviour behind the wheel, devastating families.
"We have changed the law so that those responsible will now face the possibility of life behind bars."
Sign language support during jury deliberations
The Government is also changing the rules around jury deliberations, so more deaf people can be called as members of the jury.
From now on, judges will be able to grant sign language interpreters access to deliberation rooms to help those with hearing loss.
Previously, only 12 sworn jurors were able to enter, meaning those with hearing loss weren't able to participate.
Mr Raab added: "The right to be judged by your peers dates back to Magna Carta, and is a cornerstone of our justice system.
"We're changing the law so that many more deaf people have the opportunity to carry out this important civic duty."