Greenfield mum's anger as son's killer to be granted licence

Liam Simpson was just 18 when he was struck down by unlicensed and uninsured driver Daniel Beck on Well Hill in Holywell.

Five years ago today he was about to enjoy his first night out, his mum Vicky Simpson told the Leader - and he'd looked so smart she took photos of him before he left.

But by the time she posted them on her social media just minutes later, unbeknown to her, he was dead.

After driving recklessly and terrorising pedestrians on September 30, 2017, Beck struck his victim from behind at between 59 and 61 miles per hour, when the limit of the road was 30.

The injuries were “catastrophic” and medics said Liam would have died instantly.

Beck, then 29 and of Y Gerddi, Maes Pennant, Mostyn, admitted causing death by dangerous driving, driving without a licence and without insurance - for which he received an eight year jail term.

Now, as Beck nears the half-way point of his sentence, Miss Simpson has been informed by the Ministry of Justice victim contact scheme that he will be released from custody in December on licence to complete his sentence in the community.

And the "kick in the teeth" for her and her family is the knowledge that Beck was on licence when he took Liam's life, leading her to ask why he should be given the opportunity to complete a sentence in the community again.

READ MORE: Hit and run Flintshire motorist whose reckless driving killed a teenager is jailed for eight years

Liam with his younger brothers Jace and Max at Christmas (Image: UGC)

The 41-year-old mum-of-five said: "I feel like the system has failed us.

"He was on licence last time and now they are letting him out on another licence.

"If you break the rules as badly as he did, he shouldn't be allowed to come out. He should be made to serve the full sentence.

"It's not fair that he's allowed to come back out now and live his best life. Liam's never coming home.

"I don't want him (Beck) thinking he can come skipping out and it's all been forgotten - I'm not going to let it go.

"I want people to remember Liam, and to remember what Beck took from us.

"I know this isn't going to change anything, but I just feel like I need to get it out there."

Reflecting on the original sentence, she added: "Eight years for what he did is a complete injustice. 

"I still wake up some mornings and sit on the edge of my bed in disbelief. 

"How has it been five years since I heard his voice or saw his smiley face? 

"Just as I've accepted what has happened, I have to now deal with the thought of potentially crossing paths with the man that killed my son.

"I find it disgusting."

Vicky holds a photo of Liam (Image: Staff)

In the letter from the MoJ, seen by the Leader, under his licence Beck will be subject to a number of conditions - set by his prison governor.

Those which will be requested on her behalf include not to approach or communicate directly or indirectly with Vicky Simpson, and not to enter into Flintshire county or Prestatyn, Denbighshire, without prior approval by his supervising officer.

READ MORE: Ruabon man who killed his grandmother given hospital order

He will be released in the week commencing December 12 and the licence period will be in place until December 12, 2026.

If he does not adhere to the licence conditions, he can be recalled back to custody, it adds.

As well as his mum, Liam left behind his brothers; 21-year-old Jack, 15-year-old Max, 10-year-old Jace and four-year-old Owen.

Miss Simpson said: "I was 16 weeks pregnant with my now four-year-old when I had to identify my son's body. 

Daniel Beck's custody image issued at the time of his sentence. Image: North Wales Police (Image: North Wales Police)

"That day will haunt me forever. I still have flashbacks and will never be able to unsee his lifeless body on that trolley in the morgue. 

"It was the most horrific thing I have ever had to do.

"After that day I just focused on my unborn baby and my other children. 

"I tried to keep everything as 'normal' for them as I possibly could even though my heart was in a million pieces. 

"I had to keep strong - because if I fall apart, they will fall apart and I will never let that happen.

"I won't let Beck take anything else from us."

READ MORE: Shoplifting father and son in the dock after stealing from Boots in Wrexham

Recalling the tragic day itself, she said: "It was his first ever night out, he'd never been drinking.

"So I made him his favourite dinner, got him dressed, took him for a haircut.

"We actually spent a really nice day together, which I am grateful for.

"And because he looked so lovely, I made him stand for pictures. Those were the last pictures I ever took of him.

"He gave me a hug at the door and I'll never forget it: he said don't worry about me mum, I love you. And then he left.

The last photo Vicky took of her son (Image: Staff)

"By the time I put the photos on my social media, he was already gone. He was dead in the road.

"The next thing was a policeman crashing through my door.

"It's every mum's worst nightmare come true. I am living in a nightmare now, I really am.

"But I try to embrace every single day and I have to try and flip everything on its head."

Paying tribute to her son, Miss Simpson added: "Liam was the kindest most caring son any mother could ever wish for. 

"He went out of his way to make sure I was okay and was always there for his brothers. 

"Liam had a smile that was contagious. He was a great friend to all that knew him and everyone loved him. 

"He was more than my son, he was my best friend. Liam was about to start a university course at Deeside college to become a primary school P.E teacher. 

"He was football mad and a dedicated Liverpool supporter. He had just started to play for Holywell Football Club, and was about to coach his little brother's football team. 

"Liam was always happy, he had the best sense of humour and we were always laughing.

"Even now, when I talk about Liam I can't not smile, because of how much fun we had.

"He really was so lovely and I just feel lucky to have had him for those 18 years."

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with Liam Simpson’s family and friends. 

"Dangerous driving puts lives at risk and can devastate families, which is why we recently increased the maximum penalty from 14 years to life imprisonment to keep killer drivers behind bars longer.”

The MoJ also issued the following guidance: "Judges decide sentences following guidelines set by the independent Sentencing Council. 

"Beck is currently serving a standard determinate sentence, meaning the date he would be released was set on the day he was sentenced.

"It also means he is automatically released on licence at the halfway point to serve the remainder of his sentence in the community. He will be subject to strict licence and supervision conditions, and faces recall to prison if these are breached."