Crewe MP calls for sentence review of fatal crash driver

Joshua Spender was "caring and considerate", his family said

An MP has called for the sentence of a van driver who knocked over and killed a man to be reviewed.

Joshua Spender, 23, died in hospital after he was hit in Macon Way, Crewe, on 5 November 2021.

William Bratton, of Market Drayton, Shropshire, was jailed for just over six years on 13 May after admitting causing death by dangerous driving.

Crewe MP Dr Kieran Mullan has urged the attorney general (AG) to examine the sentence as unduly lenient.

The AG's office said a decision on whether or not to refer the case to the Court of Appeal would be made before Friday.

Dr Kieran Mullan has called for William Bratton's sentence to be reviewed by the attorney general

Cheshire Police said Mr Spender had been standing at the side of the road waiting at a pedestrian crossing near to McDonald's.

The traffic lights began to change to red, it said, as Bratton was approaching the crossing in his van.

Seconds later, Bratton drove through the red light and hit Mr Spender as he was crossing the road, before fleeing the scene.

William Bratton admitted causing death by dangerous driving

Bratton was disqualified from driving for a total of 12 years and seven months on top of his jail term, which was handed down at Chester Crown Court.

Following the sentencing, Mr Spender's family said they had been left with "overwhelming sadness and such helplessness".

In a letter to the AG, Conservative MP Dr Mullan said while the family knew nothing could bring Mr Spender back, "they do want to see the man responsible for his death suitably punished", adding the community had been left "deeply upset" by the sentence given.

He asked for the jail term to be referred to the Court of Appeal for review, under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

The scheme enables people to ask for a review in cases where they believe the sentence given is too low.

A spokesperson from the attorney general's office said: "We have received a request for this sentence to be considered under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.

"The law officers have 28 days from sentencing to consider the case and make a decision."