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On June 19, 2021, six-year-old Sharlotte-Sky Naglis, from Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, was walking to the shops with her father on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Sharlotte was killed almost instantly when John Owen, 46, lost control of his vehicle and plowed into Sharlotte and her Dad.
What happened that day, changed Sharlotte’s family’s life forever, broke the hearts of the community and ended the life of an innocent and amazing six-year-old girl, loved by all who knew her.
When the crash happened, John Owen was speeding, driving while under the influence of drink and drugs, not wearing a seatbelt and was on his mobile phone.
John Owen was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court in October 2022, and was jailed for just six years and two months. He was also banned from driving for eight years and one month.
Since then, supported by Jonathan McGullis, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, Sharlotte’s mother, Claire Reynolds, has fought hard to raise awareness about the inadequate sentence handed down, and has campaigned for stronger sentences for dangerous drivers who kill.
Claire said: “On the day that Sharlotte died, Owen made a decision. He had taken cocaine and consumed alcohol, prior to getting into his car. At the point of impact, Owen was using his phone and travelling at 48mph in a 30mph zone. These were conscious decisions. Aside from this, Owen had a previous conviction for drink driving in 1998.
“The incident has been categorised as a ‘tragic accident’ – this is not an accidental death. Any driver, any responsible adult, knows that this fatal mix of alcohol, drugs, phone use and speeding can result in innocent lives being taken or changed. As such, the sentence should reflect the loss of life and the consequences of deliberate and conscious actions.
“We urge for this sentence to be reviewed at the earliest opportunity. The whole family are suffering greatly, nothing will bring Sharlotte back and nothing can repair the pain of their terrible loss, however, we deserve justice and peace with the sentence. We will not get this in any way knowing Owen will walk free in three years’ time.
“Owen will also be eligible to drive again after five years, after an extended test. We believe that any driver who has killed through dangerous/drink or drug driving should receive a lifetime ban.”