A former Mayor of Bolton has welcomed tougher sentencing powers to impose life sentences on drivers who kill as a result of dangerous driving.

Under the changes, judges will be able to hand down life sentences to dangerous drivers who kill and careless drivers who kill while under the influence of drink or drugs.

The new sentencing regime far exceeds the previous maximum penalty of 14 years.

The reforms will also create a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving, meaning those who inflict long-term or permanent injuries also face tougher sentences.

The new laws came into place this week.

Judge jails dangerous driving racers who killed former Bolton mayoress Gay Wharton

Cllr Martin Donaghy lost a close friend Gay Wharton, who served alongside him as mayoress, when she was hit by a car crossing the road.

Two people were jailed for seven years and four months and four years and eight months at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.

Both pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving last June

Cllr Donaghy said victims must always remain front and centre.

He said: “I welcome the change in the law, with the caveat that, whatever happens to that individual who’s responsible, the victim’s family always have to live with a life sentence.

“The victims are the people we should keep in mind.”

Turning to Mrs Wharton’s legacy, he added: “She was such a good-hearted person and a caring person and it was such a tragedy to lose her in that way.

“And I would say that about any family that is going through losing a loved one in such a way.”

The Bolton News:

Gay Wharton served as Mayoress alongside Mayor Martin Donaghy 

Mrs Wharton was just 58 years old when she died.

The former Mayoress was survived by her husband of 19 years Stephen, who described her as “the most wonderful person I knew” at a memorial service last November where her legacy was honoured by fulsome tributes from across the borough and beyond.

Mrs Wharton’s sister-in-law Sharon Bently described her at the service as "selfless until the end and beautiful both inside and out.”