Mum's disbelief at sentence for driver who killed daughter, 15, on zebra crossing

A mum whose daughter was killed after being hit by a car at a zebra crossing wants tougher sentences after learning the driver responsible was released after six months.

Keely Morgan, 15, died in May 2023 after being hit by Christopher West in Cardiff. He was given a custodial sentence of 16 months in July 2025.

Mum Sian Morgan said there had been "no justice", and 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.

There were highly emotional scenes at Cardiff Crown Court in July as West was sentenced for causing death by careless driving, and 11 months for causing death by driving while uninsured, to be served concurrently.

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."

Causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving carries a maximum sentence of five years, while causing death by driving while uninsured carries a maximum term of two years, according to the Sentencing Council.

Sian set up a petition demanding 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, she 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."

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.

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."