WISBECH campaigner Stephen Green welcomed a judge’s decision to reject a man’s bid to have a five-year driving ban lifted after he caused the death of an 18 year old girl.

Judge Nicholas Coleman said it would be wrong to restore 22-year-old’s Jake Riseborough’s licence whose front seat passenger was killed as he raced another driver at speeds of up to 100mph.

Norwich Crown Court heard that Riseborough from near Norwich (who was also given a custodial sentence) had 18 months left of the ban but wanted it lifted as it was hindering him getting work.

Mr Green whose step-son Jamie Butcher was killed when he was hit by a speeding car while on a pedestrian crossing in Wisbech in February 2011, has been a fervent campaigner for tougher sentences in such cases.

Mr Green, of Stow Lane, said: “It’s an insult to the family and the person who’s died. “I’m delighted the judge has been firm and stuck to the original sentence.

“The sentences that are handed out in these cases are so lenient anyway it’s ridiculous really. It’s so insensitive and it’s selfish. Plus, I think I’m right in saying that the ban starts when you go to prison so you’re serving a good proportion while you’re inside which is ridiculous.”

Judge Nicholas Coleman said: “It would be quite wrong to restore the licence and the application is refused.”

Senior campaign officer for the charity Brake, Ellen Booth, said she had not come across an appeal of this sort before.

“I think it’s also worth mentioning that in cases like this the idea you can serve your driving ban while in prison,” she said.

“You should serve one after the other and it should start once you’re out.”