Sister of tragic schoolboy calls for tougher sentences after killer driver spends just two years in jail

Harley Smith’s sister is calling for stricter sentences for dangerous drivers after the man who killed the schoolboy spent just two years in jail. The tragic incident occurred when Sami Ula Jabbar, a shopkeeper, was driving his Mercedes at 80mph in a 30mph zone and struck 16-year-old Harley as he cycled home in Falkirk in 2020. Jabbar, who had previous motoring convictions and was on bail orders at the time, was later sentenced to five years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving.

Harley’s family was left devastated when Jabbar was granted early release, prompting his sister Tasmin to speak out against what she perceives as a lenient sentence. She expressed her frustration with the justice system, stating that those who take a life behind the wheel should serve their full sentence. Tasmin described her brother as a kind, caring young boy who was loved by many and emphasized the impact his death has had on their family.

Witnesses and CCTV footage presented in court revealed Jabbar’s reckless driving behaviour leading up to the fatal collision, with pedestrians even signalling for him to slow down due to his dangerous speed. Described by the judge as driving at a “breath-taking” pace, Jabbar’s actions resulted in the untimely death of Harley, a sea cadet and student at St Mungo’s High School.

Despite the family’s grief and struggles, they were further distressed to learn that Jabbar was eligible for early release and had been granted temporary release even before a scheduled parole board hearing. Tasmin expressed her disappointment in the system prioritising the rehabilitation of perpetrators over supporting victims and their families. She plans to raise awareness of their experiences with local MP Brian Leishman in hopes of advocating for tougher sentences for drivers responsible for fatal accidents.

In response to calls for stricter sentencing, Justice Secretary Angela Constance offered her sympathies to Harley Smith’s family and highlighted the independent nature of sentencing decisions. She noted that criminal laws related to causing death by driving are reserved to the UK Government, and parole board decisions are separate from ministerial influence. Constance acknowledged recent victim-centred reforms to the parole process and expressed openness to further enhancements to support victims and their families.

Harley’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of dangerous driving and the need for justice to be served. The family’s plea for tougher sentences reflects a broader societal concern for road safety and accountability on the part of drivers who cause harm through reckless behaviour. As efforts continue to improve the justice system’s response to such cases, the memory of Harley Smith and the advocacy of his family stand as a poignant call for legislative and judicial reforms in the realm of road traffic offences.