THE FAMILY of a man left brain damaged by his cousin's dangerous driving today slammed the two-year maximum jail term for the offence.

Robert Gilbertson was a front seat passenger in the high-performance MG ZR driven by 'arrogant' and uninsured Phoenix Korm, 24, when it crashed in Haslingden Road, Shadsworth, Blackburn.

Mr Gilbertson, a warehouse supervisor, is now unable to communicate, is fed by a tube and is unlikely to ever walk or stand up again. He is being cared for in a neuro-rehabilitation centre.

After the smash Korm, of Clarence Street, Darwen, produced his insurance certificate to police as if it was still valid, even though he had cancelled his policy.

He was jailed for a total of 20 months and Judge Anthony Russell, QC, hit out at the maximum sentence for dangerous driving in a case where someone was badly injured.

Mr Gilbertson's family, of Watery Lane, Darwen, also called for tougher sentences and revealed their heartache after their son was left a brain damaged paraplegic.

The comments follow a campaign for a new offence with a five-year jail sentence of causing death or injury whilst driving without a licence or insurance.

Senior government sources have promised action on "Amy's Law" after Amy Houston, 12, of Ravenglass Close, Blackburn, was killed when hit by uninsured and disqualified driver Mohammed Ibrahim in Newfield Drive, Blackburn, in November, 2003.

Burnley Crown Court had heard how Korm -- who was said to be fascinated with fast cars -- had been about to lose his job at Horners motor group in Blackburn because he had damaged a number of their vehicles.

He had been drinking and taking cannabis before careering off a roundabout and hitting two cars after travelling on the wrong side of Haslingden Road, Shadsworth, on January 19.

Judge Russell said Korm had been 'dodging speed cameras' and had clocked up to 70mph in a 30mph zone and shown little remorse.

The judge said Korm, a father-of-two, was arrogant, had ignored the advice of passengers over his driving and had turned up the hi-fi so they could not be heard.

Speaking after the case, Mr Gilbertson's step-father Mark Ashton, 35, said: "We agree with the judge because we don't think 20 months for the damaged caused to Robert is enough and we support moves to increase sentencing power..

"There is partial forgiveness because it's Robert's cousin and in a sense, it could have happened to anyone. But dangerous drivers should be made entirely responsible for their actions. The law, as it stands, doesn't do that."

His mother, Heather Gilbertson, 42, who has six other children -- Robert is the second eldest -- added: "I doubt Robert will be right by the time his cousin is let out.

"Robert is awake now but doesn't respond to us in any way. We've been told that over time he could recover 90 per cent of his faculties, but realistically that could be years away.

"We go and see him three times a week but I don't think he knows it. He knows nothing about the accident. When he does come out one day he will need 24 hour care."

The defendant received 16 months after admitting dangerous driving and got an extra four months after pleading guilty to using a document with intent to deceive. He also admitted no insurance and no licence, was banned for four years and must take an extended re-test.

The court was told Korm had been in the Forresters Arms at Fecitt Brow and gave Mr Gilbertson and a man called Steven Ashton a lift.

Ian Dacre, defending, said Korm had expressed genuine remorse.