A Stoke-on-Trent mum says Sharlotte's Law must be given the priority it deserves
It's as The Kings Speech will set out plans on what the new government intends to put into law
Last updated 16th Jul 2024
A Stoke-on-Trent mum whose daughter was killed by a dangerous driver says we shouldn't wait a moment longer to introduce a law in her legacy.
Named after six-year-old Sharlotte-Sky Naglis from Norton Green - Sharlotte's Law wants blood samples of drivers to be processed without consent if involved in a death on the roads.
Sharlotte was out walking with her dad along Endon Road when a man, John Owen, two times over the drink drive limit with Class A Drugs in his system, and speeding whilst making a phone call struck her.
The driver was in a coma following the collision meaning he could not consent to his blood samples being taken.
"So the sooner this bill is passed, the sooner families will get their answers and the justice that they deserve."
It's hoped that the legislative change will refocus the law to put victims of road traffic incidents and their families first.
Presently, blood samples cannot be tested for drugs and alcohol until consent is given. In the case of Sharlotte and her family, this prolonged the investigation into her death significantly.
Sharlotte's mum Claire Reynolds told us: "It's vital we get Sharlotte's Law back on track and get this bill passed. Every passing day, with the delay, more victims and more families are suffering while investigations are delayed by the current law."
"To find out that this investigation was being held up due to the driver either refusing to give analysis of the blood or incapable of giving that consent.
Claire continued: "It feels like a very long time - a very long fight since this started. Waiting for a result makes me very anxious and it is quite stressful knowing that whilst we wait for this bill to be passed, there are many other families and victims suffering an extended wait for the investigation due to current laws.
"We need to put victims and families first, so I would urge Sir Starmer to embrace Sharlotte's Law."
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