Mum wants longer sentence for drink-drive killer

Claire Adkins' mother said she was "determined to stay strong"

A mother whose daughter was killed in a car crash by a driver under the influence of alcohol and drugs has called for his sentence to be lengthened.

Joe-Lewis Tyler was jailed for 18 years earlier this month after admitting to killing Leo Painter, 6, Courtney Hemming, 26, and Claire Adkins, 39 in a crash on the A44 Spetchley Road, Worcester.

Ms Adkins' mother, Julia Earlam said: "We'd be happier with more of a longer sentence but he's given us a life sentence, we're never going to replace our daughter."

The Attorney General's (AG) office will decide whether to appeal against the sentence in September.

It has been referred to the AG's office under the unduly lenient sentence scheme.

The 34-year-old had been driving a BMW 3 Series on 22 February at about 90mph in a 50mph area as well as being under the influence of alcohol, cocaine and cannabis.

Tyler's sentence accounted for his pleading guilty to one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and three counts of causing death whilst driving without insurance.

The sentence over Claire Adkins' death is the subject of an appeal to the Attorney General.

Ms Hemming and Ms Adkin died at the scene, while Leo died shortly after arriving at hospital.

Ms Earlam said his sentence did not match his crime and believed "he needs to serve 20 years or more."

"Scum, he showed no remorse [he's a] piece of filth.

"[Claire] left a big hole in our hearts and nothing will ever replace that," she said.

Claire Adkins, a mother of three boys, had a huge turn out for her funeral, with Ms Earlam describing her as a central part of their family's lives.

"I'm determined to stay strong for Claire," she said

"I'm trying to be strong for everybody, we have to carry on.

"I know she's watching down saying 'mum I know you can do this, you've got to look after them.'

"We will eventually [be happy] because she's looking down on us telling us 'mum and dad you go and do the best that you can." she said.