Drink-drive killer will not face sentence increase

Joe-Lewis Tyler was jailed for just over 19 years following a crash that killed three people

A driver who killed a boy and two women while under the influence of alcohol and drugs will not have his sentence increased.

Joe-Lewis Tyler was jailed for 19 years and two months in August after crashing into a car carrying Leo Painter, six, Courtney Hemming, 26, and Claire Adkins, 39, on the A44 Spetchley Road in Worcestershire.

Ms Adkins' mother Julia Earlam had called for his sentence to be lengthened, saying: "He's given us a life sentence, we're never going to replace our daughter."

The Attorney General's Office has since confirmed the case does not meet the threshold to be referred to the Court of Appeal.

Claire Adkins' mother Julia Earlam had called for Tyler's sentence to be lengthened

The matter was referred to the office under the unduly lenient sentence scheme.

Solicitor General Sarah Sackman said she was deeply saddened by the crash that happened in February but there was nothing more she could do.

"My deepest sympathies are with the families of Courtney, Claire and Leo at this terrible time," she said.

"However, after careful consideration I have concluded that this case cannot properly be referred to the Court of Appeal.

"The threshold for referral is a high one and the test was not met in this case.”

Tyler, 34, had pleaded guilty to three counts of causing death by dangerous driving.

He also admitted to three counts of causing death while driving without insurance, and a single count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, which pertained to a passenger in his car.

Leo Painter, six, was also killed in the crash

A court heard Tyler, who was driving a BMW 3 Series, had clocked about 90mph in a 50mph zone.

He was under the influence of alcohol, cocaine and cannabis.

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

Her daughter Ms Adkins was a mother of three boys and had a huge turnout for her funeral.

"I'm determined to stay strong for Claire," Ms Earlam said.

"I know she's watching down saying: 'Mum I know you can do this, you've got to look after [the children].'"