Mother's horror after woman who ran over and killed her son in Coxhoe is freed (From Durham Times)

Mother's horror after woman who ran over and killed her son in Coxhoe is freed

8:00am Friday 15th June 2012 in News By Mark Tallentire, Reporter (Durham)

A MOTHER whose son was run over outside a shop says releasing his killer on licence is an insult to his memory.

Christine Dalby’s son, Shaun, died beneath the wheels of Naomi Myers’ Fiat Punto outside the Co-op, in Coxhoe, County Durham, on February 2, 2010.

Myers, formerly of Park Avenue, Coxhoe, pursued Mr Dalby, 28, after being told her brother’s house had been attacked.

She admitted manslaughter and was sentenced to five years in prison last April.

However, Mrs Dalby said that only 14 months on, Myers is locked up for only 24 hours a week, has started a job, is being allowed to go on holiday later this month and is expected to be released before Christmas, having served less than two years.

The Prison Service declined to comment on Myers’ case.

Mrs Dalby said: “She is being treated like a queen. It is making me ill – I cannot sleep.

“It is an insult to Shaun’s memory. I feel like everything is being done for her, but nothing has been done for me or my family.”

Mr Dalby and Myers knew each other, but a dispute had broken out between the families.

Mrs Dalby said that on the night her son died, he and a friend had gone to confront Myers’ partner.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that while Myers was pursuing him, Mr Dalby slipped and was crushed to death beneath her car.

Mrs Dalby said her son was a normal lad who got into trouble, but would do anything for his family.

She said: “(His death) was very difficult. We are still dealing with it. It’s going to take a long, long time.

“He was my eldest. I have got photos of him all over.”

Mrs Dalby said an inquest had not yet been held into her son’s death, and said she remains angry at how long the case took to reach court.

She said Myers’ five-year sentence was disgusting.

Mrs Dalby is planning to appeal against the length of Myers’ sentence.

A Prison Service spokeswoman said prisoners may be released on temporary licence providing they meet strict criteria and pass a rigorous risk assessment.

She said that if prisoners breached their licence, they would be subject to disciplinary proceedings and likely be moved to closed conditions.