The parents of a four-year-old girl killed by a speeding car thief, had their victim impact statement edited in court to prevent upsetting the defendant when he was being sentenced, it has emerged.

Glenn and Rebecca Youens’ daughter, Violet-Grace, died after Aidan McAteer, who had been travelling at 83mph in a 30pmh zone, ploughed into her in a stolen car.

But when he appeared in court his lawyers successfully objected to her parents' impact statement being read out in full in open court.

McAteer's barrister persuaded the judge that his client would find the experience "too upsetting", if the statement was read out in full.

As a result part of their comments about their devastation at their daughter's loss were redacted.

Marie Rimmer, who is the MP for Mr and Mrs Youens, is now calling for a change in the law to prevent a similar situation occurring in the future.