Pressure is mounting for mandatory jail terms for drivers caught behind the wheel while under lifetime driving bans after a horror crash that injured eight members of a family, including one boy left fighting for his life.

The State Opposition and a road safety expert yesterday led calls for tougher laws after it was revealed Matthew David Molloy — the man accused of ploughing a stolen ute into the family’s van in Wilson on Saturday before fleeing — had been banned for life from driving despite never having held a licence.

The five-year-old boy, who was worst hurt in the crash, was still in a critical condition in Perth Children’s Hospital last night.

His family have asked the community to keep them in their prayers, pleading: “If you are not fit to be on the road, stop before you hurt yourself and others.”

Shadow police and road safety minister Peter Katsambanis said people caught flouting lifetime driving bans “have absolutely no regard for our laws or for our community” and should face a minimum jail term.

Under current laws, a person caught driving under a life ban will have their vehicle impounded for 28 days and can face a maximum penalty of 18 months jail and a $4000 fine.

“If someone is banned from driving for life, they are obviously considered to be very dangerous,” Mr Katsambanis said.

“If they disregard the law, they should be subject to a minimum jail term of something like five years with a higher maximum in really serious cases. I call on the Government to introduce amendments to the law so these people can be put away to protect the rest of the community.

“If the Government does not do it, I’ll consider bringing in a private member’s Bill to do that.”

Monash University Accident Research Centre professor Max Cameron echoed Mr Katsambanis’ views.

“Because magistrates have discretions and are reluctant to jail people, I think the idea of a mandatory sentence on them is a good one,” he said.

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Police and Road Safety Minister Michelle Roberts said she was glad Mr Molloy, 34, was refused bail on Monday, saying “his record is a disgrace”.

She accused Mr Katsambanis of “political opportunism”.

The family yesterday thanked ambulance officers, hospital staff, police, their parish community, family and friends for “all the care and support”.

“Please keep us and the people who care for us in your prayers,” the family said. “Also keep your prayers to everyone on the road so that they are safe.”

The critically injured boy’s six-year-old brother was in hospital last night in a stable condition. Four of his family were also in a stable condition in Royal Perth Hospital.

Police allege the family’s van was at traffic lights on Leach Highway when Mr Molloy rammed it from behind, pushing the van into the rear of a stationary truck. Mr Molloy, who has not entered pleas to four charges, including failing to stop and help after an incident causing grievous bodily harm, will return to court on February 4.