Father of hit and run victim wants harsher sentences for killer drivers

A father from Wiltshire is pleading with the Government to impose harsher sentences for killer drivers after his son died in a hit and run.

James Gilbey from Upavon, 25 was walking home from a night out when he was mowed down by two men racing at 80 mph. He was struck with such force, that his body landed 230 feet away.

His father, Richard Gilbey, says his family have been sentenced to a life of "heartache and pain".

He started a petition, which has been signed by more than 10,000 people, calling for the jail sentence for causing death by dangerous driving to be increased from 14 years to life.

Majid Malik and Kaiz Mahmood were racing each other through a residential area, when they hit James. After spotting his body in the road, Malik sped off to dispose of his car and burn his clothes.

Eventually Majid Malik, who had 39 previous convictions, came forward and admitted causing death by dangerous driving. His friend Kaiz Mahmood was found guilty in court.

However, Richard says he is still hurting from the sentencing: "When the judge announced that they had been sentenced to eight years there was a bit of a gasp. But when he told them that they would serve four. I had to endure their family cheering and laughing. They'll be out in four years but our boy will never come home".

Last month the government announced a consultation on plans to increase the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving from 14 years to life.

• Watch the full report from Mel Bloor