Olivia Donachie was crushed by the car driven by Jackson

Olivia Donachie died at the crash scene near her Edinburgh home on 30 May.

Daniel Jackson, 31, earlier pleaded guilty at Edinburgh High Court after being charged with culpable homicide and failing to stop at an accident.

Jackson was high on valium and heroin when he drove the vehicle, the court heard.

Olivia's father, Paul Donachie, said he hoped the sentence would deter other "reckless" drivers.

Olivia's mother Rachel was critically injured and had to have a leg amputated after the crash.

Mrs Donachie and Olivia, who tended nursery at Bonaly Primary School, were struck just yards from their home in Westgarth Avenue, Colinton.

Mr Donachie said: "I would like to thank Lothian and Borders Police and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service for their professionalism and compassion during what has been a very stressful time for our family.

"We are also very grateful to relatives, friends, medical staff and the local community for their continuing kindness and support.

"I can only hope that this sentence helps deter other drivers who may otherwise choose to drive in such a reckless way, or while under the influence of illegal drugs."

Passing sentence, Judge Lord Menzies asked Jackson: "What possessed you to do the awful things which you did on 30 May, 2007?

Daniel Jackson had earlier pleaded guilty to culpable homicide

"You drove your Jeep in a furious, dangerous and wholly irresponsible manner without any thought or consideration for the safety of pedestrians or other road users.

"It's little wonder that several onlookers described you as driving as if you were being chased by the police and that you were driving like a maniac.

"You were driving like a maniac."

The judge told the accused: "Little Olivia was just four years old and had been collected from nursery by her mother, Rachel. They were on their way home with Olivia's brother.

"They were where they should have been safe - on the pavement."

'Criminally reckless'

He added: "You killed little Olivia instantly, crushing her between the Jeep and a wall, and you caused terrible injuries to her mother, resulting in the amputation of her left leg.

"The hearts of all right-thinking members of society must surely go out to the Donachie family."

The judge said he would have handed out a 16 year sentence if it were not for Jackson's guilty plea.

Insp John Beresford said: "I am pleased with the sentence that has been handed out to Daniel Jackson.

"I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of those who were involved in what was an extremely difficult and harrowing inquiry, which should never be considered as merely a road traffic accident.

"Daniel Jackson's actions were both criminally reckless and showed a total disregard for the safety of the public."