DESPITE considerable anger and criticism about the 'short sentence' issued to a drunken, drugged killer driver who took the life of a much-loved Thurrock woman and seriously injured an 11-year-old girl, Essex Police have welcomed the term of additional imprisonment announced by a judge yesterday.

In the wake of the appearance in court of Liam Jones-Bell yesterday (Tuesday, 26 November), Thurrock NewNubs carried an extensive report of the proceedings in which the Laindon man was given a further five year sentence on top of the three years and four months in jail he received in June last year when he admitted two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop after a collision, aggravated vehicle taking, drink-driving, driving while unfit through drugs, driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Since his appearance at Basildon Crown Court then, 65-year-old Barbara Murray, struck when a car he was driving left the road, has died.

That meant the charge against Jones-Bell was changed to causing death by dangerous driving, to which he again pleaded guilty at the court, and Judge John Lodge gave him a five year term.

The reality is he will only serve half of it behind bars as he will be released on licence after 30 months.

In total, for his long list of crimes for which he was roundly condemned by the judge who heard emotive statements from members of Miss Murray's family calling for justice, Jones-Bell's total time in prison since being caught will be four years and one month.

That has been roundly condemned by many people as far from sufficient for the severity of his crimes.

However, the senior investigating officer on the case has pointed out it is the longest sentence ever imposed in Essex for a causing death by dangerous driving offence.

Inspector Rob Brettell said: "This was a tragic incident where a driver's selfishness and complete disregard for others not only caused a family significant trauma but the loss of a loved one too.

"Through the hard work and dedication of the Essex Police Serious Collision Unit, we were able to help secure the highest custodial sentence which has been imposed in the county for a death by dangerous driving offence, and whilst no sentence can ever bring Barbara back, I hope her family will take some comfort from this.

"Jones-Bell will now serve additional time for his callous actions and we will continue to prosecute those who choose to drink and drug drive so that we can deter other people from doing that same, in a hope that we can prevent tragic cases like this from happening again."