HAREWOOD'S MP will cite a tragic local case when he calls for a change in the drink-driving law this week.

Alec Shelbrooke (Con, Elmet & Rothwell) is backing the Whitlam's Law campaign - a movement started following the death of Harry Whitlam on August 9, 2013.

The eleven-year-old was hit by a tractor at Swithens Farm, Rothwell that was being driven by Gary Green.

Mr Green was found to be nearly three times over the legal drink-drive limit but was not prosecuted at the time because the incident happned on private land.

He was eventually jailed for 16 months and two weeks, under health and safety legislation, in December, 2016.

Mr Shelbrooke will call for an overhaul in the law when he leads a debate on the issue the House of Commons on Thursday, July 13.

He said: "The death of Harry in 2013 stunned the communities I represent, but it was the lack of prosecution that shocked us to the core.

"Harry died after the tractor reversed into him at Swithens Farm.

"An inquest later heard that the driver was almost three times over the legal alcohol limit on the day of the crash.

"He was not prosecuted at the time as the incident happened on private land.

"This case has highlighted an anomaly in the law.

"Because Harry’s killer was operating a vehicle on private land whilst under the influence of alcohol he could not be prosecuted in the same way he would have been had the incident happened on a public highway.

"There is an urgent need for parity of esteem when it comes to causing death by dangerous driving whether on public of private land, and I hope this Adjournment Debate will trigger a change in the law."

Road safety charity Brake is supporting the campaign.

A spokesman said: "As a charity that supports bereaved and seriously injured road crash victims we know only too well the devastation and suffering caused by drink driving.

"A drunk driver, in charge of a vehicle of any type, is a lethal combination.

"Whether this takes place on private or public land ought to be irrelevant.

"The current loophole in the law, which has been demonstrated in this tragic case, is one that needs closing.

"Far too often grieving relatives are let down by our legal system.

"We are aware of similar cases to that of Harry’s and support his family’s call to have the current drink driving law changed to include vehicles being driven on private land."