MP calls for action at ‘show off’ driver

A Nottinghamshire MP has slammed the justice system after it emerged that a reckless driver who killed a father-to-be could be let out on day release - less than 12 months after he was jailed for five years.

Farm worker Joseph Weston (22) was jailed last July after Nottingham Crown Court was told how he was seen speeding up the A60 at Cuckney Hill ‘like lightning.’

Accident investigators said Weston, of Longdale Lane, Ravenshead, was doing 90mph when he lost control of his high-powered Ford Fiesta on a left-hand bend, smashing head-on into Luke Winter, of Nether Langwith, on 15th August 2012.

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Mr Winter’s father, Geoff, contacted Chad earlier this month after he was told by the National Probation Service that Weston may be released one day a week to help him ‘reintegrate back into the community.’

Now Bassetlaw MP John Mann, who represents the Winter family, said he will be raising the issue in Parliament.

He said: “Luke Winter was killed by a driver who the judge said was driving dangerously and ‘showing off.’”

“A daughter was robbed of her father, a family of their son”

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“It undermines our justice system if criminals convicted of dangerous driving are then let out of prison early”

“When Parliament returns from recess I am putting forward a motion calling for dangerous driving to be cracked down on, and for full prison terms to be served.”

The Winter family were critical of Weston’s initial five-year jail term, and were left furious after it was reduced by eight months in February by judges at the Court of Appeal.

Mr Winter said: “It’s fundamentally wrong that someone can get killed as a result of somebody else’s actions, and for their death to be treated as insignificant.”

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