THE family of the late Ryan Saltern will have Ryan’s Law debated in Parliament today (Monday, November 15).

Ryan, a husband and father to Cath and Harry, died back in July 2019 when he was hit while walking back from St Teath Carnival.

Later in court, the driver plead guilty to failing to stop and report the accident and was given a four-month suspended sentence, a fine and a 12-month driving ban — a result Ryan’s family didn’t agree with.

As a result, Ryan’s family, led by sister Leanne, set up Ryan’s Law where they hope they can widen the definition of dangerous driving.

To be debated in parliament, a petition must reach over 100,000 signatures a figure they smashed comfortably, ending on 167,470.

Ryan’s father Mark spoke to the Post, and when asked what he expects, he said: “That’s the million dollar question, we’ve campaigned for this for nearly two years.

“We owe it to Ryan to do one in his name which is to widen the definition of death by dangerous driving, and that means if you fail to stop you go to jail. Even if they make a phone call, it at least gives those hit, a chance of surviving.

“We’ve done a portfolio for the Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez and our local MP, Scott Mann. We had a meeting at Bodmin Police Station and there were well over a 100 cases in it, and that’s just a snippet of what we’ve received. Hundreds of families have come forward with their stories, and it’s incredible how many of them there are.

“We thought we were an isolated case but clearly not, so this needs changing. The laws are very outdated and need to come in line with today’s society where often people’s driving isn’t of the required standard.”

The debate in parliament will be chaired by a Labour MP Christina Rees and will also include a petition set by Louise Smyth, mother of her sons Matthew and Paul Smyth who were both killed on their motorbikes after being hit, nine months apart, and both saw their killers flee the scene.

Mark added: “Me and my wife plus my daughter and her son are going up. It’s scheduled to start at around 4.30pm and go on until 6pm where both petitions will be debated. All we can do is hope and pray that they listen.

“If the drivers stop, it at least gives the person hit a chance of surviving and gives them the first aid they need.”

Mark praised the support of the local community and further afield, and prays that the right decision is made.

He said: “We’ve had incredible support even from celebrities on social media such as Fiona Phillips, Lorraine Kelly, James Drayfus and Hollyoaks’ David Easter.

“We’ve had signatures from all over the globe including UK citizens who now live abroad, including Australia, Canada and the USA.

“We’re just hoping for the best outcome. We’re doing it for future families. Obviously we can’t do anything about Ryan now, but hopefully we can help families affected by this in the future, so that they don’t have to go through what we’ve been through.”

Earlier this year, The Department for Transport responded to the petition and said the government was exploring if other charges can be brought in similar cases.

Its reply said: ‘Ministers are aware of the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Ryan Saltern and extend their sympathy to family and friends.’