Father of 4-Year-Old Violet-Grace Youens Calls for Justice Reform Years After Fatal Hit-and-Run

The family of Violet-Grace Youens, the four-year-old girl who was tragically killed in a high-speed hit-and-run in St Helens, Merseyside, continues to call for changes to the criminal justice system, saying they believe victims’ families are too often overlooked.

Violet-Grace lost her life in March 2017 while walking home with her grandmother, Angela French, when a stolen Ford Fiesta ST3 struck them at high speed. According to prosecutors, the vehicle was being driven by Aidan McAteer, who was traveling at more than 80 mph in a 30 mph zone after reportedly driving through two red lights.

The impact proved fatal for the four-year-old, while her grandmother suffered life-changing injuries. Authorities said McAteer and pᴀssenger Dean Brennan fled the scene immediately after the crash, leaving Violet-Grace on the road before later leaving the country.

Following an extensive investigation, McAteer was arrested upon returning to the United Kingdom. He later pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to nine years and four months in prison, with the sentence reduced after his guilty plea.

Despite the conviction, Violet-Grace’s father, Glenn Youens, says the sentence has never reflected the devastating consequences of the crime.

He has also criticized the court process, explaining that his family was not permitted to read their full victim impact statement during sentencing. According to Glenn, portions describing Violet-Grace’s injuries and the final moments of her life were excluded after the court determined those details could be overly distressing for the defendant.

The decision left the family feeling unheard.

Glenn has publicly expressed his frustration, arguing that victims’ families should be allowed to fully explain the emotional and lasting impact of violent crimes. He believes the experience highlighted broader issues within the justice system and has called for a public inquiry into how such cases are handled.

He has also questioned whether previous opportunities to prevent the tragedy were missed, noting concerns that the driver had allegedly been involved in dangerous driving before the fatal collision.

Nearly a decade after Violet-Grace’s death, her family says the pain remains constant. While they continue visiting her grave and preserving her memory, they also hope their campaign will encourage reforms aimed at strengthening victims’ rights and improving accountability within the criminal justice system.

Violet-Grace is remembered by loved ones as a joyful little girl whose life was cut tragically short. Her story continues to resonate with many across the United Kingdom, serving as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving and the enduring grief carried by families who lose loved ones to preventable tragedies.

🕊️ Rest in peace, Violet-Grace Youens. She will never be forgotten. ❤️