The dead couple's son Tyler

"What needs to be put in place are outreach programmes and programmes which empower the community," said Mr Adams.

"We should also remind ourselves that these people are in a very small mionority."

Earlier, the uncle of Tyler Watson who was orphaned in a car crash had criticised the sentence given to Savage.

But Jason Watson, the brother of Justin, said the sentence was not long enough.

"Basically I thought eight years was a joke - eight years doesn't make up for the loss of two lives, three lives if you count Brian Donnelly," he said.

"More importantly on my part, is Justine and Charmaine's lives and the fact that young Tyler was almost killed too.

"I don't really think any sentence would have made any difference."

However, Mr Watson, who now cares for Tyler and his sister Connie, said he understood the judge's hands had been tied over the maximum sentence.

Jason Watson: Thought eight years was "a joke"

He said Tyler had made a "miraculous recovery" from his injuries.

"He still has a bit of a limp on the leg he broke," he added.

Mr Watson said the child had talked to him and his wife about the accident.

"In my opinion he remembers everything," he said.

"Some of the stories he has told us...things that he has seen and things that happened after the accident.

"He had a good understanding of what was going on.

"He knows he's never going to see his mummy and daddy again."

Mr Watson said it was difficult, at times, for himself and the children, particularly approaching the first anniversary of the couple's deaths.

"It is hard. Sometimes the two kids get really upset, the smallest thing will trigger them off, " he said.

Outside the court on Wednesday, the mother of Brian Donnelly said Savage should have been given the maximum sentence.

She also said that the judge should have have ordered that the convicted man be given psychiatric help and placed in care on his release.