ROAD safety charity Brake is backing the call for tougher sentences for dangerous drivers that kill and ahas voiced support for Violet's Law.

More than 54,000 people have already signed an e-petition calling for changes to the law in memory of hit-and-run victim Violet-Grace Youens, four, who was killed after being struck by a stolen speeding car on Prescot Road in March 2017.

The man driving the car, Aidan McAteer, 25, was jailed for just over nine years, but will be out in half of that time on parole.

Her parents believe this is not long enough and hope that Violet's Law, if passed, would give the courts the power to jail people convicted of causing death by dangerous driving for life in the most severe cases.

In October 2017 the Ministry of Justice pledged to introduce life sentences, but there has been no progress.

A spokesman for Brake said: "Shockingly lenient sentences are an insult to bereaved families. The Government must implement the life sentences for causing death by dangerous driving it promised in 2017, as a priority – sign the petition to make sure the Government gets this message loud and clear.

"We also want to see a full review of our road traffic laws to tackle a legal system which lets serious offenders get away with pitiful penalties and back on our roads."

A spokesman from Ministry of Justice, added: “Killer drivers can ruin lives which is why we intend to give courts the power to hand down life sentences for death by dangerous driving – sending a clear message to those who drive irresponsibly. We will bring forward proposals for changes in the law when parliamentary time allows.”

To sign the petition click on bit.ly/VioletGracesLaw