A devastating story unfolds, leaving a family shattered and seeking justice. Summer's world was turned upside down when her loved ones were taken from her in a tragic car crash. Her mother, Lisa Carter, stepfather Paul Carter, and sister Jade Mace were all killed in an instant, leaving Summer to pick up the pieces. The driver responsible, Cielevicius, was speeding at an alarming 96mph and had drugs in his system. He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, yet the sentence he received seemed to add insult to injury.
Cielevicius, at 39 years old, was sentenced to a prison term and an extended license period, but here's where it gets controversial: he was also eligible for early release and deportation under the government's Early Release Scheme (ERS). This scheme allows foreign nationals to be removed from the UK before completing their full sentence, a decision that has left Summer and her family reeling.
ERS, as explained by the government, is a tool to expedite the removal of foreign offenders, but it fails to consider the impact on victims. Summer, who has since moved to King's Lynn, discovered in 2025 that Cielevicius might be released early. She reached out to her MP, James Wild, who raised the issue in Parliament. Despite their efforts, on February 23rd, Summer and her family received the devastating news that Cielevicius had been deported, leaving them feeling like an afterthought.
Summer is now determined to make her voice heard and help others in similar situations. She believes that victims should have a say in decisions that affect their lives so profoundly. "They've released him, but the system needs to be held accountable," she says. "It's inhumane to treat victims like an afterthought."
James Wild supports Summer's call for victim consultation, especially in cases where lives have been lost. He believes that taxpayers' money should not be spent on housing foreign criminals, but that the magnitude of the crime must be considered. "Summer's life has been destroyed, and yet the criminal walks free. It's an injustice that needs addressing."
The government, while expressing sympathy for Summer's loss, stands by its decision to prioritize deportations. But Summer and her supporters argue that this approach is flawed, failing to consider the human cost. Summer's story is a powerful reminder that behind every statistic and policy decision, there are real people whose lives are forever altered.
What are your thoughts on the Early Release Scheme? Should victims have a say in these decisions? Join the discussion and share your views!
