The mother of a devoted young dad who was killed in a hit and run is highlighting her campaign for harsher sentences on the anniversary of his death.

Chris Jones, 23, formerly of Kingsdown Primary and Castle Community College, was directing traffic around his broken-down van in Notting Hill on August 6 last year, when he was knocked down by a Bentley Continental.

The driver, George Claudiu Albu, 33, fled the scene but was arrested later that day.

He was jailed for eight years at Southwark Crown Court in January, after admitting causing death by dangerous driving.

One year later, Mr Jones’s mother Ruth Jones, from St Margaret’s, is continuing her campaign for tougher sentences.

She said: “It’s been a long year since I lost my son when he was killed by a hit and run driver who left him for dead instead of helping him. With good behaviour he could be out in just a few years.”

So far an online petition has gained 266 supporters.

Speaking to the Mercury previously, Mrs Jones said: “The way Chris died was avoidable and eight years for taking a man’s life doesn’t seem fair.”

The petition says: “When someone blatantly breaks the law in any way and gets behind the wheel of a car and knowingly at high speeds kills a human being, the law should be manslaughter.

“The car becomes a weapon no different from someone carrying an illegal knife and killing someone.

“The way Chris died was avoidable and eight years for taking a man’s life doesn’t seem fair.” - Mrs Jones

“Please share and sign this petition, the law has to be changed.”

Mr Jones was described as devoted to his five-year-old daughter and would visit her weekly back in Dover as well as taking her to London for weekend stays.

The Mercury previously reported that according to a national newspaper, Albu was seen racing, swerving and slamming on his brakes before the crash.

The same report said cocaine and benzoylecgonine – a by-product of cocaine – were found in Albu’s blood.

He also admitted driving without a licence and insurance.

n To see or sign the petition, visit change.org/p/ruth-jones-change-the-law-on-dangerous