Memory of woman, 6, killed by drink-driver whereas going to purchase sweets might change legislation
Mum Claire Reynolds’ tireless campaign for justice after her six-year-old daughter was killed has led to Sharlotte’s Law being included in the Government’s road safety strategy
Ever since her daughter’s life was tragically taken by a drink-driver, mum Claire Reynolds has been relentlessly campaigning for a change in the law – and it appears her efforts are about to pay off.
Today, Sharlotte’s Law – a campaign named after the schoolgirl – has been incorporated into the Government’s significant new road safety strategy.
Claire has also advocated for stricter restrictions on the drink-drive limit, as she continues to be tormented by the memory of her daughter’s death while she was joyfully on her way to buy sweets with her dad. Meanwhile, city community leaders have praised Claire’s resolve as the Government plans several changes.
Sharlotte’s Law, which was fervently championed by former MP Jonathan Gullis and backed by thousands in North Staffordshire, aimed to permit blood samples to be tested without consent. A modification to this law, allowing a test to be conducted – without consent – following a fatal collision, is among a host of proposals.
Other suggestions in the new strategy, the first of its kind in over a decade, include a proposal to lower the drink-drive limit in England and Wales, currently at 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, the highest in Europe alongside Northern Ireland and Malta.
Under the strategy, this could be reduced to 22 micrograms, matching the limit in Scotland. This comes as ministers aim to decrease deaths and serious injuries on UK roads by 65 per cent by 2035, reports Stoke on Trent Live.
It was in 2021 when pedestrian Sharlotte-Sky Naglis lost her life after being struck by John Owen, who remained unconscious for several weeks following the collision whilst being twice over the drink-drive limit, with class A substances in his bloodstream, and using his mobile phone.
The 48 year old, from The Square, Oakamoor, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and received a 76-month jail term.
However, existing legislation prevented his blood from being analysed whilst he remained unconscious.
This legal loophole was brought into the spotlight when courageous Claire shared her experience with StokeonTrentLive, sparking a campaign to prevent similar situations recurring.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast today about her aspirations for the Government’s approach and Sharlotte’s Law, she explained: “The injuries he (Owen) had meant he was in a coma for seven weeks and so that blood could not be tested. It’s a law that I wanted changed because it was seven weeks but what if he had been in a coma for 20 years and we wouldn’t get the answers that we needed.
“The moment anything happens whether it’s small or big you want to know why and you want that justice. Being in that dark time for seven weeks, and thinking I’m never going to get it and I am just going to live like this forever. It shouldn’t be down to him over whether we get those answers or not. The police should be able to just get them.”
Claire has also advocated for stricter drink-drive limits, suggesting that it should be zero. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, she said: “When I was told they knew he was drinking but we didn’t know how much. The police said it can depend on if he’d gone the gym, he could not have eaten that day, it depends on so many things. I think it should be zero and that’s it, you don’t have alcohol and drive.”
Following Sharlotte’s tragic death, North Staffordshire mourned the young girl, with her school, St Anne’s Primary in Brown Edge, stating that the tragedy had impacted the entire community. Claire confesses that she continues to grapple with PTSD, anxiety and depression as the moment her daughter’s life was abruptly taken remains a vivid memory.
She recalled: “Sharlotte went the shop for some sweets with her dad. She was on the pavement and he told me she was skipping and was excited as we were going to have a girly night. It just happened in seconds.
“Chris (Sharlotte’s dad) didn’t really see the car until it happened and he mounted the pavement. I found out he killed her instantly.
“I wasn’t there, I was outside with a friend and I heard the noise and we both looked at each other. I got that phone call and I couldn’t understand what he was saying. I ran around and saw her and her injuries – and I just knew.
“It’s not just the life that they take, it’s my life that’s been taken and it’s the life of my family. I struggle every day and struggle so much with PTSD, depression and anxiety.
“It’s over for them. He’s out of prison now and living his life and enjoying Christmas but for me it’s never ending.”
Reflecting on the new road strategy, Claire urges motorists to contemplate the potential repercussions of their actions. She added: “People don’t think about what could happen, they just think ‘I will be okay with one drink’, or they haven’t got money for a taxi, or it’s too much hassle to leave their car – rather than thinking what could happen when you drink and drive.”
For Claire, the aftermath of Owen’s actions will forever haunt her and the community, with balloons, toys, and flowers frequently left at a bench in Norton Green in memory of Sharlotte. While the city will always remember her, the nation may soon recognise the name as Claire’s years of struggle could soon be enshrined in British law.
ormer MP Jonathan Gullis, who introduced Sharlotte’s Law to Parliament, said: “I am truly delighted to see Sharlotte’s Law included in the Government’s Road Safety Strategy. While it is not yet law and will first go to public consultation, which I urge everyone across Stoke-on-Trent to take part in, this represents a hugely significant first step. It offers the chance to create a lasting legacy for Sharlotte and to give victims’ families, like Sharlotte’s brave and inspirational mum, Claire, the answers and sense of closure that are so often denied when unimaginable tragedy strikes.
“My deepest gratitude goes to Claire for her bravery, resilience, and openness in sharing her story and her grief. Today’s BBC Breakfast interview illustrates that the pain never truly subsides, but also how speaking out can lead to tangible change. Sharlotte’s Law exists because of you.I’d also like to extend my thanks to former Stoke Sentinel editor Marc Waddington and former Sentinel reporter Hannah Hiles for their relentless efforts in spotlighting this case and ensuring Sharlotte’s story remains in the public consciousness.
“I’m grateful to all Stoke-on-Trent City Councillors, from all political backgrounds, who unanimously advocated for the introduction of Sharlotte’s Law. A special nod to local ward councillor Dave Evans for securing the support of our Police and Crime Commissioner.My appreciation extends to my successor, David Williams MP, for carrying on the campaign after his election. His behind-the-scenes work has been instrumental in bringing the Government to this point, and he deserves genuine recognition for his efforts.
“Lastly, thank you to the people of Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. This has been a joint endeavour, and together we have accomplished something that ensures Sharlotte’s memory endures through significant change”.
