Penalties a court can dish out
deeply shocked and kept saying, ‘How can that be right?’ Not one person believed that the punishment fitted the crime.”
The family wants the law to be changed so that jail sentences are given automatically to drink-drivers who kill.
Shaena said: “As far as we are concerned, careless driving starts the moment you drive the car and you are over the limit.
“You have knowingly been out drinking and got behind the wheel. You should face the consequences for that action.
“A custodial term should be the minimum, though a sentence of 100 years wouldn’t be justice for the loss of our George.”
The Government has launched a consultation over the law relating to dangerous driving.
Last month, the Beresfords met justice THE drink-driving rules in Britain can see a driver jailed for up to six months.
Driving or attempting to drive while over the legal limit can also bring an unlimited fine and a driving ban of at least a year.
Scotland cut its drink-drive limit in 2014 to 50mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood, compared with 80mg in England and Wales.
Causing death by careless or dangerous driving under the influence of alcohol is a minister Sam Gyimah, one of the MPs in charge of the consultation.
Mark said: “We found him sympathetic. He realises something must be done.
“After the meeting he asked us to submit a written proposal and he pledged to consider it seriously during the review. “We are now working on our letter. “George had been the perfect son – sociable, hard-working and enthusiastic about football, golf and surfing.”
Shaena added: “When George passed away, he had his whole life in front of him. Losing him has devastated our family. He was a young person who had so much to offer this world and his death needs to make a difference.
“To anyone reading our story, we ask them to help us to change the law by taking part in more serious offence and carries up to 14 years in jail and a two-year ban. The sentence could rise to life in some cases as ministers review the law later this year.
In Germany, new motorists face fines and bans for having any alcohol in their blood.
Canada has an offence of “dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death” which carries a 14-year jail term. If the driver has alcohol in his system, he could face life. the government’s online survey. Every reader who contributes will increase the chance that the law will be changed so that no other family goes through this terrible ordeal.
“To anyone tempted to drink and drive over the New Year, we urge them, don’t do it.
“Walk home, take public transport or get a taxi. Drinking and driving costs lives and devastates families. Do you really want that on your conscience?”
Croydon South Tory MP Chris Philp said: “When Mark and Shaena told me of George’s death and what followed, I was astonished.
“I phoned the case manager at the CPS and the investigating officer to check this is really how it works. I was told that was all they could do because of how the law currently stands.
“Driving over the limit is one of the most reckless things you can do. Injuries or deaths caused by drink-driving are senseless and cause anguish and grief for entire families.
“But currently the law allows people to get away with killing while drunk behind the wheel, if carelessness as well as being drunk is not proven. We need to close this loophole and ensure families get justice for their loved ones.”
The Beresfords are donating their fee for this interview to the road safety charity Brake. They urge readers to take part in the consultation, which closes on February 1. Go to consult.justice.gov.uk/digitalcommunications/driving-offences-causingdeath-or-serious-injury.