Outcry over the killer drink-driver set to go free after just 3 years... a year for each life he took
A DRUNK driver who killed three friends is being released from jail after serving barely a year for each life he took, it emerged last night.
The horrified families of the victims have been warned Jamie Riddick could be back on the streets within weeks, after serving just a third of his nine-year term.
Riddick, 24, was nearly twice the drink-drive limit when he crashed into a wall and a tree in June 2015, killing passengers Nathan Rhodes, 23, Ryan Case, 25, and Emily Jennings, 27.
He had no driving licence and his Citroen Saxo was a former write-off vehicle which had no insurance, road tax or MOT.
Riddick also tried to claim that he was not the driver and that a fourth passenger, who was badly injured, had been at the wheel.
Now, just three years into his sentence, probation officers have told his victims’ families he is seeking a release on temporary licence before serving the usual minimum period of half his term.
Riddick’s treatment highlights the scandal of the soft-touch sentences handed out to Britain’s killer drivers, and families and road safety campaigners are demanding tougher punishment to fit the harrowing consequences of the crime.
Last night Mr Rhodes’ mother, Barbara Hatcher, said: “Where is the justice? No sentence is ever good enough, but he killed three people and got a year for each life.
“I honestly feel like they’ve broken our hearts again. It is like Nathan just died this morning. In a couple of weeks he [Riddick] could be out walking the streets again, doing whatever he wants to do, enjoying life.
“This is an insult to us and the memory of our loved ones. Three families have had their lives destroyed by this. We have not had time to grieve or to prepare ourselves for his release.”
Ms Jennings’ mother Gill said: “This is a total injustice. He is due out in July 2020, which to all of us, is still too soon.
“He took my wonderful, precious girl from us. Riddick should serve the full term. In fact, I would like to throw away the key.”
Pub worker Riddick, of Kineton, Warwickshire, then 21, was jailed in January 2016 after admitting drink-driving and causing death by dangerous driving.
Warwick Crown Court heard he drank beer and vodka before offering a lift to the three friends and another man, Charlie Smith, when he saw them outside a nightclub.
He crashed trying to cut a corner on a main road in Leamington, killing Mr Rhodes, of Southam, Mr Case, of Stockton, and Miss Jennings, of Warwick. Mr Smith suffered severe injuries.
Uninjured Riddick callously tried to drag Mr Smith into the driver’s seat to make it look like he had been at the wheel.
At his trial, it was claimed he then sat on the wall, swinging his legs and smoking, asking: “Have I killed anyone?”
Mrs Hatcher, of Leamington, Mr Case’s mother Hazel and Ms Jennings have started a petition, highlighting how they say they have been failed by the justice system.
Mrs Hatcher said: “We just keep fighting. I know we can’t change anything, but what we can do is just make everybody aware that the justice system sucks.
“Until it happens to somebody really important, nothing is going to change. That’s the sad thing.”
A spokesman for road safety charity Brake said: “This case highlights how our flawed legal system often leaves victims’ families. We urge the Government to fulfil its commitment for a full review of traffic offences and penalties, made back in 2014.
“Only then will our roads be kept free from dangerous drivers and victims’ families get the just and fair outcomes they deserve.”
The Prison Service denied that offenders were released before the half-way stage in their sentence.
A spokesman said: “We are introducing life sentences for those who cause death by dangerous driving to reflect the impact it has for victims and their loved ones.
“Anyone released on temporary licence must meet strict criteria and pass a full risk assessment before being considered for release.”