Irwin Mitchell Supports Parents’ Campaign For Introduction Of Tougher Sentences

A mum and dad have called on the Government to introduce life sentences for drivers who kill after a banned motorist responsible for the death of their sons was jailed.

Corey and Casper Platt-May, aged six and two, were fatally injured when Robert Brown crashed into the boys as they walked to a park with their family in Coventry.

Following their deaths, Corey and Casper’s family instructed specialist road accident lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help investigate the circumstances of the collision.

The family’s legal team at Irwin Mitchell is supporting the boys’ parents, Louise and Reece, in calling on the Ministry of Justice to ensure proposals to impose tougher sentences for driving offences are introduced as a matter of urgency.  

Expert Opinion

We often see first-hand the devastation and heart-break that is caused by the reckless and selfish actions of drivers such as Robert Brown who pose a real danger on our roads.

“Judges are hamstrung by current sentencing tariffs and many people will be shocked by the apparent lenient sentence that Robert Brown has received.

“While it is sadly too late for Corey and Casper’s family and many other families that have been ripped apart because of drivers who kill or seriously injure loved ones, we hope that the tragic deaths of Corey and Casper highlight the need for judges to be allowed to impose more stringent sentences in such cases if they deem appropriate.

“We welcome the Ministry of Justice’s proposals to introduce tougher sentences and would ask that these proposals are turned into law at the earliest possible opportunity.

“Hopefully they will act as a deterrent and help motorists to think about the consequences of their actions, so the number of people killed or badly injured on our roads reduces.” Rebecca Hearsey - Legal Director

Corey and Casper were taken to hospital after they were hit by Brown’s black Ford Focus on February 22.

Casper died a short time after. Corey underwent surgery, but also died. Louise was uninjured.

Brown, 53, of Wyken, Coventry, had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of death by dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance and driving without a licence.

Louise , 28, said after today’s sentencing hearing: “Corey and Casper were everything to us and we will not get over losing them.

“To watch your children die in front of you is something no parent should have to experience. Our family should have had so many years ahead of us to create a lifetime of memories but these have all been snatched away because of Robert Brown.

“We don’t blame the judge for the sentence he imposed, but what today has highlighted is that those who rip families apart seem to be the ones who get off more lightly.

“Robert Brown showed a total disregard for the law when he got behind the wheel that day. Because of him we are  living a life sentence knowing we will never see our boys grow up, whilst he will be out of prison in just a few years and will be free to continue his life. 

“We will never come to terms with how Corey and Casper were taken far too soon. Our only hope now is that some good comes out of their deaths through the introduction of tougher punishments for drivers who think they are above the law.

“We call on the Government to honour Corey and Casper’s legacy by ensuring its proposals are made law as soon as practically possible.

“We would also once again like to thank all the emergency services who did their best to save the boys. We will be eternally grateful for what they did that day. We would also like to thank police for their hard work into the investigation.  

“Our family would also like to thank the community for the love and support it has shown us following Corey and Casper’s death.”

The Ministry of Justice announced in October 2017 plans to introduce life jail terms for motorists who cause death by dangerous driving as well as careless drivers who kill while under the influence of alcohol or drugs for whom the current maximum sentence is 14 years.

Motorists who cause death as a result of speeding, racing, or using a mobile phone are set to face penalties equivalent to manslaughter, with prison terms also set to be increased from the current 14 years to life. Other proposals include the introduction of a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving.

The Ministry of Justice said the tougher measures were set to be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in handling road traffic accident cases.