Sentence review call for driver who killed teens

Natasha Allarakhia, 36, was speeding at 96mph just before the crash

An MP has called for a review into the "unduly lenient" sentence given to a woman who killed two teenagers when she smashed into the back of a stationary car after sipping alcohol at the wheel and speeding at 96mph (154km/h).

Natasha Allarakhia, 36, was jailed for 10 years following the incident on the A17 at North Rauceby last June, when she failed to notice a Ford Fiesta which had stopped at temporary traffic lights.

The driver of the Fiesta, William Ray, 17, and passenger, Eddie Shore,18, died. A second passenger, Jack Prince, 18, suffered life-changing injuries.

Dr Caroline Johnson, MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, said the sentence "does not reflect the severity of her crimes".

William Ray (left), 17, and Eddie Shore, 18, died in the crash

Following the sentencing at Lincoln Crown Court last week, Dr Johnson said she had written to the Attorney General's Office (AGO) calling for the sentence to be looked at.

In the letter, she said the two teenagers had been friends for many years and were looking forward to bright futures, having just completed their A-levels.

"They tragically lost their lives because of Allarakhia's actions, leaving their families and our entire community devastated."

She added that the injuries Jack suffered in the crash had affected his career ambitions to join the RAF.

The third passenger in Fiesta, Luke Wood, told the court how the deaths of his friends had left him with a lifetime of "grief and trauma".

"In my view this sentence does not adequately reflect the severity of the offences, nor the devastating consequences for the victims and their families," the MP wrote.

The AGO said the matter would be considered under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.

"Officers have 28 days from sentencing to consider the case and make a decision," a spokesperson said.

Dr Johnson is calling for a review of the sentence

The court previously heard Allarakhia, of Turner Crescent, Norwich, laughed when she passed a roadside breath test despite her own two daughters, aged seven and 12, being in the car with her.

All four occupants of the Fiesta were taken to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham, where William and Eddie later died from their injuries.

Dr Johnson said Allarakhia's conduct had also placed her own family at risk.

The court heard the defendant had five previous convictions for 12 offences, including a bad driving record.

Dr Johnson said Allarakhia had been warned on several occasions about her dangerous driving, but "persisted in this behaviour, showing a chronic disregard for the rules of the road".

In mitigation, Edward Renvoize, said Allarakhia had shown genuine remorse which was emphasised by her demeanour in court.

"She did not set out to hurt anyone," he said.

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