THE family of Miriam Briddon, the young Cross Inn woman who died when a drink-driver collided with her car in March 2014, have welcomed plans to impose life sentences on dangerous drivers who kill.

Motorists who cause death by speeding, street racing or while on a mobile phone are among those who could be handed tougher punishments under proposals drawn up by the Ministry of Justice.

Speaking on behalf of Miriam’s dad Richard and her three sisters, mum Ceinwen said: “This is promising news and something we welcome very much.

“We are very pleased to hear the proposed plans put forward by ministers.

“Hopefully the proposed changes will be put into place and therefore act as a strong deterrent to prevent criminal driving in general, as well as being the appropriate punishment for offenders, especially those who kill.”

But Mrs Briddon added that the guidelines would only work if the Crown Prosecution Service, barristers and judges used them to their full potential.

Mrs Briddon said the family would be following the consultation period closely.

“The consultation is now live on gov.uk and ends on 1 February,” she added. “We kindly ask the public to read the proposed plans at www.gov.uk/government/news/killer-drivers-to-face-to-life-sentences and comment appropriately.”

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