Member News
By Karl Turner MP - 22nd June 2011
Karl Turner MP calls for an increase in the maximum sentence for dangerous driving from two to seven years.
In Westminster Hall today I will argue for an increase in the maximum sentence for dangerous driving from two to seven years. This debate follows on from a Private Members Bill that I introduced and is due for Second Reading on 9 September 2011.
The current maximum sentence for dangerous driving is woefully inadequate and does not give Judges enough discretion to give a sentence that reflects the severity of the crime. Victims of dangerous driving can be left with horrendous injuries, some have been left brain damaged, paralysed or with serious amputations. However as long as the victim does not actually die the maximum sentence that can be given is only two years. The Judge is then required to reduce this sentence by a third if the defendant pleads guilty at the first opportunity. The driver is often left with a sentence of 6 months while the victim is punished for life.
The case of my constituent Katie Harper is a perfect example of how the law has monumentally failed the victims of dangerous driving. Katie, 23, was left with life changing injuries after being hit by a dangerous driver. She suffered multiple breaks to her pelvis, two broken arms, facial damage and nerve damage to her right leg, which means that she is unlikely to ever walk properly again. Her mother was also permanently injured. Katie's father was then forced to give up his job at a local primary school to care for them. The driver was never sentenced. However the Harper's would likely have found little solace if he had been sentenced under the current rules. The driver would have most likely have received a 16 month sentence and been released after six. This is not an isolated case. There are hundreds of victims like Katie Harper who are demanding that we toughen up our gangerous driving laws.
I am not alone in thinking that these sentences make a mockery of our judicial system. I have received support from a number of organisations including the government's Victims Commissioner, Brake, RAC and The AA. When introducing my Bill I received cross party sponsorship with support coming from Members of four different parties.
Frequently when passing down sentences even Appeal Court Judges speak out about the inadequacy of a two year maximum sentence. Judge Dyson said, "This is one of those cases of dangerous driving that actually highlights just how inadequate the maximum penalty is". The law is so unbalanced at the moment that Judge Person was moved to state in the Telegraph that judges would rather give heavier sentences but their hands are tied by the current statute.
These small sentences come nowhere near reflecting the severity of the crime. The victims and their families are left feeling short changed and let down by the Justice system. The changes I have proposed in my private members bill will require a small change to the law which will have a big impact on justice.
Karl Turnerhas been Labour MP for Kingston upon Hull East since 2010.
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