THE petition calling on the government to review the sentence of a man whose crimes cost the life of a much-loved Thurrock taxi driver is close to a landmark 1,000 signatures.

Its supporters, angered by the two and a half year sentence issued to 22-year-old Edvinas Pupkis following the death of Norman Bullock, launched the online protest just hours after the court case.

Pupkis, from Ilford, was driving a stolen vehicle when he was in collision with Mr Bullock's taxi in the early hours of Monday, 5 October.

The popular Grays driver for Thameside Taxis died in his vehicle at the A128 scene of the crash.

Pupkis fled the scene having shown no interest or remorse for the crash.

He evaded capture in the immediate aftermath and was brought to justice after caught at the wheel of another stolen vehicle just a couple of days later.

Despite Pupkis' actions, Judge Ian Graham gave the offender, who also admitted driving without insurance, failing to stop at the scene of a collision, and failing to report a collision, just 30 months behind bars.

You can sign the petition and help take it into five figures here.