Robert James Gaunt

The stepmother of a schoolboy who died after a hit-and-run crash near the Shropshire border has launched a petition calling on the government to bring in tougher laws.

Tara Green’s young stepson Robert James Gaunt, nine, from Overton, died after being hit by a car on the outskirts of the village in March. The driver admitted driving with no licence or insurance.

Miss Green has launched a petition on the Downing Street website calling for tougher penalties for motorists who cause death at the wheel while they are unlicensed and uninsured.

Businessman David Lunn, 61, from Moorland Avenue, Queens Park, Wrexham, was jailed for 22 months.

Lunn was handed the sentence at Mold Crown Court for having no insurance or driving licence at the time of the accident.

The court heard Lunn had attempted to destroy evidence by burning his Jaguar car’s damaged bumper and buying a new one.

Lund had admitted charges of being involved in a fatal accident with no insurance or licence, and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Miss Green, 41, the partner of Robbie’s father Robert Jones, lives in Wrexham with Robbie’s half sister Elise, five, and her sons Daniel, 16, and Dewi, 13.

She said: “We feel that the sentencing guidelines need to be looked at again and the only way to do it is with a petition.

“Lunn only had 22 months – by the time you take off the period he spent on remand, he could potentially be out in eight months.  We believe that should have been substantially higher,” she added.

“When people drive unlicenced and uninsured and someone dies as a result – it’s as if their life is worthless when the driver gets such a short sentence.”

Miss Green said the petition had the backing of the rest of Robbie’s family.

“The family do know about it,” she said. “They are supporting it, they have signed the petition themselves.”

To sign the petition, visit the Downing Street website.

Miss Green has so far gathered more than 100 signatures online.

By Deborah Collins