AN Islander whose sister was run down and killed by a young driver has launched a campaign to stop people using mobile phones while behind the wheel.

Paul Newman’s life was torn apart when his older sister, Ellen, was knocked down on 5 January in Manchester.

The car which killed her mounted the pavement before smashing into her.

It was alleged, but never proved, that the driver was speeding and using a mobile phone.

Now Mr Newman is launching a public awareness campaign warning of the dangers of using mobile phones.

‘Something needs to be done,’ he said.

‘I just fear that no one will take action until there is a tragedy over here.

‘I pass people driving and on their phones every single day and I don’t think they realise just how dangerous it is.

You see people with children in their cars on the phone.

It makes me angry, upset and scared.

I just think it could happen again and it could be a mother with a pram who gets hit.’ Last year 267 people were convicted of driving while using a mobile.

So far this year there have been 229 convictions.