The mum of a 15-year-old boy killed in a car crash was today praised for playing a key role in winning changes to driving laws.

The Government revealed today that it is planning a new offence of causing death by careless driving - with a maximum prison sentence of five years.

Currently, motorists involved in fatal smashes can escape with just a fine and a driving ban if prosecutors cannot prove they were driving dangerously.

Dee Green's<OK> son Charlie died after the Vauxhall Corsa in which he was travelling crashed after leaving a fireworks party just yards from his home in Church Street, South Green, Billericay, in November 2003.

The car's driver, Mark Fay, then 18, was convicted of careless driving and having a defective tyre on November 26 last year.

Having pleaded guilty to both offences, Fay received fines totalling £360, ordered to pay costs of £460 and banned from driving for two years.

Since the death of her son, Mrs Green has campaigned non-stop to close what she sees as a loophole in the law.

Mrs Green, who is still having counselling to help her come to terms with her son's death, said: "I feel strongly about this because I don't want anyone to suffer the same thing we have been through."

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