Relatives Repeat Call For Tougher Sentences For Motorists Who Kill

The family of two brothers killed by a banned driver in a hit-and-run crash have welcomed the decision to increase his jail sentence.

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 relatives, including mum Louise, 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.

Brown, 53, of Wyken, Coventry, received a nine-year jail term in April, prompting Corey and Casper’s family to call for the introduction of tougher sentences for drivers who kill.

Now following a hearing today at the Court of Appeal, judges ruled that Brown’s original sentence was too lenient. His jail term was increased to 10-and-a-half years.

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The reaction amongst many members of the public to Robert Brown’s original sentence was one of shock and anger.

“Whilst nothing can bring Corey and Casper back, we are pleased that the Court of Appeal has decided to look into the truly tragic circumstances surrounding their deaths, deciding that the driver’s selfish and reckless actions that day deserved a tougher punishment.

“Through our work we sadly see how drivers such as Robert Brown are a real danger to innocent road users. We hope that his increased jail term acts as a warning to those motorists who think it is acceptable to break the law and put lives at risk because of their callous behaviour.

“We are continuing to support Louise and the rest of the family through this extremely distressing time.” Rebecca Hearsey - Senior Associate Solicitor

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. Their mum, Louise, who was with them at the time of the crash, was uninjured.

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

Speaking on behalf of the family, Louise, 28, said after today’s sentencing hearing: “The events of that day and having to witness your children die in front of you is something that our family will never get over.

“We will never forgive the driver for the way he ripped our family apart. Life without Corey and Casper is so difficult to put into words. Knowing we won’t see their cheeky smile or hear their infectious laugh again is heart-breaking.

“We are pleased that the driver has been given a longer prison sentence as what our family has had to go through, and will continue experience for the rest of our lives, highlights the need for the toughest possible sentences to be handed out to drivers who ruin lives.

“We repeat our call for the Government to honour Corey and Casper’s legacy by ensuring proposals to introduce tougher sentences for drivers who kill are made law as soon as practically possible.”

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.