KILLER drivers will now face up to life in prison after new sentencing rules came into force.

Judges will be able to hand down life sentences to dangerous drivers who kill and careless drivers who kill while under the influence of drink or drugs.

Drink driver David Logan, who caused the deaths of a father, his two children and their family dog in Dalton, was sentenced to ten years and six months in prison last year after he admitted causing death by dangerous driving.

Earlier this year Demi-Elise Michaud was sentenced to 14 months after she caused the death of her baby's dad when she lost control of a car on the A590.

She admitted causing death by dangerous driving after the incident that happened near Haverthwaite in 2019.

The new sentencing regime far exceeds the previous maximum penalty of 14 years.

The change came into effect yesterday as a result of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts (PCSC) Act and has been welcomed by the Furness MP.

The reforms will also create a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving, meaning those who inflict long-term or permanent injuries also face tougher sentences.

Barrow MP Simon Fell said: "Too many lives have been lost thanks to those driving recklessly and those under the influence of drink or drugs.

"It is simply unacceptable, and I know from talking to the local police that the number of people they pick up who are significantly over the limit is deeply concerning - they are literally accidents waiting to happen.

"I very much hope that this change in the law will remind people that if you choose to risk your own and others' lives, you face life in prison."

Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice Dominic Raab said: "Too many lives have been lost to reckless behaviour behind the wheel, devastating families.

"We have changed the law so that those responsible will now face the possibility of life behind bars."