Mum's 'disbelief' at sentence for 'show off' driver who killed daughter on zebra crossing

13 hours ago 1

Sian Morgan A mum and daughter are hugging. The girl has long blonde hair and is leaning into the woman who has her arm around her daughter. The mother has long blonde hair and a black and white striped top. It is a head shot of the two of them.

Keely's mother, Sian Morgan, said there had been "no justice". She will meet a UK government minister later after her petition for change collected more than 10,000 signatures.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said sentences were decided by independent judges and offenders released on licence were "subject to strict conditions".

West had been "showing off" at the wheel, driving between 32-43mph and moving the car from side to side on Heol Trelai, Caerau, when he hit Keely, who was waiting at a pedestrian crossing.

Family photo A schoolgirl in maroon tie and jumper is looking at the camera and smiling. She has long blonde hair which is wavy.

He was also disqualified from driving for two years and eight months.

"I was quite numb," said Maria Wilson, Keely's grandmother.

"I was in disbelief that he can take a life and only get that. It was just really hard."

South Wales Police A police mugshot of Christopher West. He has brown hair and stubble and is looking straight at the camera. There is a grey background and the South Wales Police badge is visible.

Sian set up a petition calling for longer sentences for those who cause death by careless driving, as well as mandatory reassessment and vetting before any return to driving.

But in January, Sian said the family received a "kick in the teeth" when they learnt that West had been released after serving six-and-a-half months of his sentence.

"It was a massive insult," said Sian.

"It was like my daughter's death didn't mean anything - she was a child, she was crossing on a place where she should have been safe."

Two women look at the camera. The one on the left has glasses on top of her head and blonde, shoulder-length hair. She is wearing a black jumper with a white t-shirt underneath. The one on the right has a green jumper on and long blonde hair. Their expression is neutral. There is an oak table and chairs behind them.

Sian described Keely, who would have turned 18 last year, as an angel who was "funny", "quirky" and a "genuine soul".

She said Keely had overcome severe health problems as a child, including a kidney transplant in 2021 which had offered her new hope.

"She just couldn't wait to live," said Sian, adding that she was "angry" and "in disbelief" at how the judicial process had played out.

A zebra crossing over a wide road with four black and white striped posts visible with yellow lights at the top. It is a bright day with blue sky. Cars can be seen on the road turning away from the crossing.

The MoJ said "this was a terrible crime and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Keely Morgan".

"Offenders released on licence are subject to strict conditions and can be returned to prison immediately if they breach them. While independent judges decide sentences, we are committed to making sure the courts have the sentencing powers to ensure punishments fit the severity of the crime."

Sian said she would meet with MP Lilian Greenwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Transport, to talk about her campaign.

"I just want to try and get some change," said Sian.

"Be Keely's voice, be the next person's voice, that's the next family, that's unfortunately in this situation - they need justice."

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