We Beg You: Heartbroken Family Reveals Desperate Fight To Stop Dr-u-nk H-i-t-And-Run K-i-ller From Early Release
THE parents of a law student killed by a drunk hit-and-run driver have written a letter urging the PM to block the killer’s early release.
Abigail Eggleston, 22, was hit last October in Durham by Liam Bowes, 37.
Abigail Eggleston, 22, pictured with her mum Mandy, was killed by drunk hit-and-run driver Liam BowesCredit: Supplied
Killer Bowes got 12 years in March, which may now get cut under the early-release scheme
He got 12 years in March, which may now get cut.
Justice Secretary Alex Norris is to present a plan to Parliament next month for changes to the early-release scheme.
Our daughter Abigail Eggleston who was studying law at Durham was killed in a fatal hit and run incident last year whilst on a night out.
The defendant drove through a red light at speed whilst heavily intoxicated, and left my daughter for dead.
He next set fire to the car, went into hiding at a friend’s house and sent a message to his mate stating he was starving and arranged ordering a pizza.
We were already absolutely devastated at the length of his sentence (just 12 years of which he will only spend eight in prison).
His crime, in our opinions, is basically murder and it is within our intentions to start a campaign against the current leniency.
Our daughter’s killer was only sentenced in March of this year and we are still dealing with our grief, trauma and total disapproval and disappointment at the short sentence he was given.
However, as if that were not already bad enough, we have been contacted by the Probation Officer, informing us in writing that there is the potential he may be given a reduced sentence to ease overcrowding in prisons.
In the meantime, we are left with this uncertainty until the end of August, which is basically torture and immoral.
This news has hit us like a sledgehammer, it is basically insult to injury. [Abigail’s dad] Andy, who is severely disabled by MS, has taken this news very badly and has indicated it is the final straw for him and that he intends to end his misery by going to Dignitas.
This is obviously extra upsetting and distressing for myself and other daughter.
It disgusts us that the Government’s solution to an increasing problem is to reward the criminals by presenting them with early release, leaving the victim’s families/loved ones and friends to deal with further trauma and distress.
We are urging the Government to urgently change their minds.
“We are fixing this by building 14,000 new prison places, expanding electronic tagging on an unprecedented scale, and investing in probation services at record levels.
“We are also exploring how we can go further, including faster deportation of foreign criminals, better use of the women’s estate and reviewing the unjust IPP sentences.”
