Mother outraged as driver convicted of killing teen considered for open prison

In June 2024, Toby Spiring, then 28, collided with Aidan Venison’s motorcycle near Wisborough Green, West Sussex, while driving at twice the legal alcohol limit, resulting in the teenager’s death. Spiring pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and received an eight-year custodial term in October 2025, together with a five-year driving ban after release. Prison officials have now indicated that, after just one year, he may qualify for transfer to a Category D open prison and could obtain day-release privileges.

Tracy Venison, Aidan’s mother, said the notification left her feeling “utterly shocked” and “insulted,” accusing the system of devaluing her son’s life. The Ministry of Justice reiterated that any downgrade in security is based on thorough risk assessments focused on public protection. Advocacy groups, including the Prison Reform Trust, argue that such moves are part of preparing inmates for eventual release, while the victim’s family is campaigning for lifetime driving bans for deaths caused by dangerous driving, a petition that has gathered over 20,000 signatures.