Gateshead Man Calls For Tougher Sentences For Dangerous Driving

29 February 2016, 05:00 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A Gateshead man, whose sister was left with a severe traumatic brain injury following a crash involving a speeding driver, is campaigning for tougher sentences.

Steven Callender's sister Bethany Oliver's been left unable to walk, talk or eat after the crash in Ryton.

A pedestrian was also left with life-changing injuries

The driver was sentenced to 32 months in prison, which Steven says should've been much longer.

He's now started a petition to get the lengths of sentences for dangerous driving made longer. 

On his petition page, Steven wrote:
"My sister Bethany was a victim in a road traffic accident in June 2015. She sustained a severe traumatic brain injury and her life will never be the same again. Bethany is going to be discharged from hospital soon and she will need 24 hour care for the rest of her life. Bethany was a fun and vibrant 18 year old and now her life has been taken away from her. My family and Bethany's friends are suffering every day. A pedestrian was also involved, himself receiving serious injuries.

Bethany has been deprived of a future and I believe there should be longer sentences for serious injury by dangerous driving. The driver of the car received only 32 months for serious injury by dangerous driving and a 5 years and 4 month driving ban.

Our main focus now is to try and get Bethany to the best she can be, but as a family we do not feel that justice has been served. There needs to be harsher sentences for serious injury by dangerous driving especially for drivers who cause life-changing serious injuries.

*longer sentences for serious injury by dangerous driving

*complete removal of driving licence for life

*double/extended sentence if more than one victim

Please can you sign this petition and share.

I love you Bethany x

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19-year-old Bethany Oliver's been left needing constant care after the crash at Cushycow lane in Ryton  on June 16th last year..

23 year old Brian Taylor was sentenced last week, after he lost control of his Renault Clio at a roundabout.

Police found that he had been driving at more than double the speed limit when he left the road and hit 61-year-old David McLeish.

Mr McLeish survived the collision but was left with life-changing injuries after spending weeks in hospital.

Ten months later, Bethany remains in hospital and still requires round-the-clock care.

She suffered severe head injuries in the crash, and was in a critical condition when she was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary.

Taylor, of Springwell Close, Winlaton, Gateshead , admitted two counts of causing serious injury dangerous driving and last Tuesday was sentenced to 32 months behind bars at Newcastle Crown Court .

He was also handed a 5 year 4 month driving ban.