Parents demand life sentences for drink-drivers who kill
Wednesday, 08 Oct 2008 12:03
Arron, left, and Ben Peak, centre, were killed in the crash
The parents of two boys killed by former footballer Luke McCormick have called for life sentences to be given to those drink-drivers who cause death.
Arron, ten, and Ben Peak, eight, died after the car in which they were travelling on the M6 motorway collided with McCormick's vehicle.
Earlier this week the ex-Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper was sentenced to seven years in jail after admitting causing the brothers' deaths by dangerous driving.
Stoke crown court was told he had drunk double the legal limit.
Speaking to the Sun newspaper, the boy's father, Phil, who was also seriously injured in the crash, said: "If there's anyone reading this who is tempted to drive home from the pub after a few drinks, then I want them to think again and look at us.
"I've lost my two young sons to drink-driving and I'll never work again. My neck has been broken and my back disintegrated.
"So my message is very clear — don't drink and drive. Get a taxi home or walk if you have to, but don't risk killing someone's children, don't risk ruining another family."
Mr Peak's wife Amanda said she would be doing everything she could to campaign for tougher sentences for drink-drivers.
"The law should have no tolerance for drink-drivers. People shouldn't drink and drive, full stop. Not even one," she said.
"Drink affects everyone differently, so it's pointless trying to agree a 'safe' level of alcohol that's acceptable before driving. The message needs to be clear and simple — don't drink if you plan on driving. You are risking people's lives."
The couple were upset at the sentence McCormick eventually received and said their lives had been changed forever.
"He murdered our sons. There's no difference between killing someone with a car and killing someone with a knife — the result is still the same," Mr Peak said.
"A car is a killing machine in the hands of a drunk."
Ms Peak continued: "The maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving is 14 years. But Luke McCormick killed twice. So why is he not in jail for 28 years, or the rest of his life?
"We've had to bury our two young sons, and my husband has been left in a wheelchair and needing 24-hour care. I can't have any more kids, so my life will never be the same."