Tracy Venison has spoken of her 'heartbreak' after being told the driver who killed her 19-year-old son could be moved to an open prison just a year into his eight-year sentence.
Aidan Venison died in June 2024 when Toby Spiring, 28, ploughed into his motorcycle near Wisborough Green, West Sussex. Spiring, from Littlehampton, was twice the legal drink-driving limit at the time of the crash. He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced in October 2025, also receiving a five-year driving ban from the date of his release.
Mother's shock at possible move
Tracy said she felt 'utterly shocked' and 'insulted' after receiving an email informing her that Spiring may be considered for a move to a D category prison, which could allow day release.
She said: "I felt betrayed by the system because it hit me so hard, it was like Aidan's life didn't count. I'm still heartbroken, you wake up daily wishing you could turn the clocks back."
Tracy added: "He's had the chance to show that he can be a better person. He chose not to. It is not something that he just did once. It was a conscious decision he made to get in the car yet again, this time resulting in the death of my son."
Campaign for lifetime bans
Prisoners face regular reviews and risk assessments as part of consideration for any changes. Last month, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said those jailed for death by dangerous driving would not be eligible for the government's early release scheme. However, those already in jail may be considered for an open prison within five years of their earliest release date.
Tracy is campaigning for lifetime bans to be given to those who cause death by dangerous driving. Her petition has reached over 20,000 signatures, meaning the government will respond to it.
Mark Day, deputy director of the Prison Reform Trust, said: "Somebody could be assessed as being suitable for open conditions but might not be assessed as suitable for release on temporary licence. We want people to progress in their sentence, we want them to be ready at the point of release to re-enter the community and to be equipped with the skills and experiences which will allow them to make a success of their resettlement."
Ministry of Justice response
An MoJ spokesperson said: "This was a horrific crime and our thoughts remain with Aidan Venison's family and friends. Public protection is our priority, and prisoners are only moved to lower-security conditions following a thorough risk assessment, informed by specialists in offender behaviour and psychology."
