Menu
27/02/2004
Maximum sentence for death drivers rises to 14 years
The maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving will increase from 10 to 14 years, Home Secretary David Blunkett has announced today.
The increase will target drivers who kill, be it through driving dangerously, driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs or joyriding.
Drivers whose bad driving causes a death on the road can also be charged with the offence of manslaughter, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "Dangerous drivers who kill should be properly punished. The devastation they can cause is immeasurable, not only for victims' families, but for whole communities.
"This increase sends out a very strong signal about how seriously the government regards the crime. I hope that people take heed and that we lose fewer lives on the roads as a result."
A review of offences for bad driving is also currently underway, which will look at making proposals for changes to the law on serious driving offences, particularly where death or injury results.
Road Safety Minister David Jamieson said: "A very small minority of drivers commit this most serious offence, and bring misery to the families of those people killed in road accidents, as well as causing danger and major inconvenience to the vast majority of law-abiding motorists."
The provision in section 285 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 increases the maximum penalties for: causing death by dangerous driving (from a maximum of 10 to 14 years), causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs (from 10 to 14 years), aggravated vehicle taking where, owing to the driving of the vehicle, a death results (from 5 to 14 years).
(gmcg)
The increase will target drivers who kill, be it through driving dangerously, driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs or joyriding.
Drivers whose bad driving causes a death on the road can also be charged with the offence of manslaughter, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "Dangerous drivers who kill should be properly punished. The devastation they can cause is immeasurable, not only for victims' families, but for whole communities.
"This increase sends out a very strong signal about how seriously the government regards the crime. I hope that people take heed and that we lose fewer lives on the roads as a result."
A review of offences for bad driving is also currently underway, which will look at making proposals for changes to the law on serious driving offences, particularly where death or injury results.
Road Safety Minister David Jamieson said: "A very small minority of drivers commit this most serious offence, and bring misery to the families of those people killed in road accidents, as well as causing danger and major inconvenience to the vast majority of law-abiding motorists."
The provision in section 285 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 increases the maximum penalties for: causing death by dangerous driving (from a maximum of 10 to 14 years), causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs (from 10 to 14 years), aggravated vehicle taking where, owing to the driving of the vehicle, a death results (from 5 to 14 years).
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 January 2005
Foreign Office to issue death certificates for tsunami missing
The Foreign Office has confirmed that it will issue death certificates for British nationals missing, presumed dead, in the Boxing Day tsunami disaster.
Foreign Office to issue death certificates for tsunami missing
The Foreign Office has confirmed that it will issue death certificates for British nationals missing, presumed dead, in the Boxing Day tsunami disaster.
30 November 2004
Tougher penalties target reckless drivers
Road Safety Minister David Jamieson has announced a raft of new road safety measures today, including tougher penalties for reckless drivers. Mr Jamieson acknowledged the need for a wider range of penalties to "defend the majority of safe drivers against a minority of dangerous ones.
Tougher penalties target reckless drivers
Road Safety Minister David Jamieson has announced a raft of new road safety measures today, including tougher penalties for reckless drivers. Mr Jamieson acknowledged the need for a wider range of penalties to "defend the majority of safe drivers against a minority of dangerous ones.
31 October 2005
Government to crack down on death driving offences
Tough new offences to deal with drivers who cause death on the roads were announced today by the government.
Government to crack down on death driving offences
Tough new offences to deal with drivers who cause death on the roads were announced today by the government.
15 July 2008
Death Drivers To Face Tougher Sentences
Motorists convicted of causing death by dangerous driving in England and Wales could face harsher sentences under tough new guidelines introduced today. The guidance, issued by the Sentencing Guidelines Council, covers the offences of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Death Drivers To Face Tougher Sentences
Motorists convicted of causing death by dangerous driving in England and Wales could face harsher sentences under tough new guidelines introduced today. The guidance, issued by the Sentencing Guidelines Council, covers the offences of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
12 September 2014
15-Year-Old Arrested After 60 Dogs Killed In Fire
At least 60 dogs have been killed in a fire at a dogs home in Manchester, which is believed to have been started deliberately. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire was started at Manchester Dogs' Home in Moss Brook Road, Harpurhey, on Thursday.
15-Year-Old Arrested After 60 Dogs Killed In Fire
At least 60 dogs have been killed in a fire at a dogs home in Manchester, which is believed to have been started deliberately. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson after a fire was started at Manchester Dogs' Home in Moss Brook Road, Harpurhey, on Thursday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy morning, with a little patchy light rain or drizzle to start. Skies clearing and becoming dry and increasingly sunny in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry with prolonged clear spells through the evening and overnight. This will allow for some fog patches to develop in places overnight. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
