MP seeks to close loophole with driving bill

Parents Adam and Kelly Parker have vowed to "fight on" in Harry's name

An MP has introduced a new bill in a bid change road safety laws after the death of a 14-year-old boy.

Harry Parker died after being hit by a car while walking to Nova Hreod Academy in Swindon in November 2022.

The driver, Ivy Mwangi, was cleared of the charges due to a lack of evidence, even though she was unlicensed, had no insurance and initially left the scene.

Swindon North MP Will Stone said he introduced the Harry Parker Bill to address a "dangerous gap" in the law which prevented Ms Mwangi facing a lesser charge as so much time had passed.

Ms Mwangi was initially charged with causing death by careless driving and causing death while driving without a licence after the fatal incident on Akers Way.

But the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) dropped the charges in November 2024 due to a lack of evidence.

MP Will Stone (R) is campaigning for the bill alongside Harry's parents Adam and Kelly (L)

Harry's parents Adam and Kelly were then informed that no further charges would be brought against Ms Mwangi, as the lesser charge of driving unlicensed is classified as a summary offense, meaning charges must be brought within six months of the offence.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday, Mr Stone questioned how someone can "drive illegally, take a life, and yet face no legal consequences".

He also questioned why knowingly operating a vehicle without a license is not "automatically" seen as careless or dangerous driving.

Mr Stone said he wanted to correct the "flawed" system to ensure no other family has to go through what Harry's family have.

'Absolutely crazy'

Following the bill's successful passage in the first reading, Harry's parents expressed cautious optimism, but also frustration at the law as it stands.

"We're doing this because we don't want any other parent to go through what we are going through," they said.

"No driver should be able to walk free with no license, [committing] a hit-and-run and causing death – its absolutely crazy.

"We're not the only unfortunate people this has happened to and we will not stop until we get some justice In one way or another form.

"It feels like the ball is actually rolling and in the right direction [but] we shouldn't have to be fighting for justice for our son – we shouldn't have to keep on fighting and it looks like we're going to be doing this for many years."

Campaigners hope the bill will be incorporated into the government's forthcoming road safety strategy.