An appeal has been launched calling for a drunk driver who veered off the road and killed a 20-year-old woman to face longer behind bars.

Malcolm Waite was jailed for eight years earlier this month after he admitted to causing the death by dangerous driving of university student Fenella Hawes.

She had been walking with a friend, 16, on the pavement next to the A149 at Stalham when Waite's Lexus RX SUV left the road and hit the pair.

Miss Hawes died at the scene while her friend miraculously escaped with minor injuries.

Waite, 68, carried on driving for another mile until crashing again.

He was almost five times over the drink-drive limit and was described by the arresting officer as the drunkest person he had ever seen behind the wheel. 

One month before the tragedy, which happened on the afternoon of July 31, the government changed the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving from 14 years to life in prison.

But under the terms of his sentence, Waite could be released from jail on licence in just four years.

Eastern Daily Press: Fenella Hawes was a Natural Sciences student at Lancaster UniversityFenella Hawes was a Natural Sciences student at Lancaster University (Image: Supplied)

However, a group of friends and colleagues of Miss Hawes' father, Ralph, have lodged a formal appeal with the Attorney General's Office for the sentence to be increased.

Officials are now reviewing the case to see whether it should be sent to the Court of Appeal, which can impose a longer sentence.

The group has also launched a petition to show public support for their calls.

Charlotte Pritty, from Norwich, works with Mr Hawes and is one of those involved.

“Ralph has only recently come back to work," she said.

“I can see in his face he has changed forever. He will never get his daughter back.” 

Police body camera footage of Waite being arrested is included in the petition.

Body Worn Video Footage: Drink Driver Arrest from Norfolk Police on Vimeo.

Mrs Pritty hopes the video will encourage people to sign.

“If people watch the video of the man speaking with the police, it is terrifying to think that he could be back out and about in just four years.

“What more must someone do to get the maximum penalty? We hope to get justice for the family.

“The man literally killed an innocent 20-year-old girl and hit a 16-year-old. 

“Fortunately the 16-year-old is still alive, but she will have to learn to live with seeing her friend die for the rest of her life.”

To sign the petition: https://www.change.org/p/justice-for-fenella

Eastern Daily Press: Flowers lay at the scene of Fenella's deathFlowers lay at the scene of Fenella's death (Image: Newsquest)