BOLTON MP David Crausby has thrown his weight behind a campaign to increase sentences for motorists found guilty of causing death by careless and dangerous driving.

Mr Crausby spoke out after the family of mother-of-two Louise Wolstenholme hit out when her killer Tinashe Chikoto was sentenced to just 22 months in jail.

Her sons Gareth and Bradley Wolstenholme launched a petition, which has had more than 7,000 signatures online. They hope to present it to Downing Street.

In their fight for justice the family have reached out to councillors and MPs.

Mr Crausby said: "I am prepared to get involved in any campaign to increase the sentences for death by careless and dangerous driving. In my opinion they are far too lenient.

"There is an important divide between politics and the law but I do have concerns about the sentencing guidelines that judges have for these particular crimes and I do believe they need to be looked into and increased.

"I have a lot of sympathy for the family."

Chikoto received 16 months for death by careless driving and a consecutive six months for perverting the course of justice, after he hit and killed Miss Wolstenholme on Bow Street, Bolton, on January 31.

He fled the scene, with the help of friend Nqobile Mariwandi, and attempted to cover up his crime with the help of Ludovic Mabiala —both accomplices received suspended sentences for their involvement.

The salon 'Louise's Hair Studio', which Miss Wolstenholme owned, will be opened on Sunday, from 1pm until 3pm, for members of the public to sign a paper petition.

Brad, aged 21, of Bury Road, Breightmet, said: "The support we have received has been overwhelming. It has really restored our faith after what has happened. This petition is not just for our benefit – it’s for the benefit of people in the future. We don’t want people to go through what we have.

"We are trying to turn a negative into a positive."

Breightmet Councillor John Byrne and wife Councillor Lynda Byrne, will be attending the salon on Sunday.

Mr Byrne said: "I am concerned about the sentences given to these type of crimes and it is not just Louise’s case that we have seen it happen it is every case. The family has all of our sympathy."

To sign the petition go to: https://www.change.org/p/gareth-wolstenholme-justice-for-louise-wolstenholme