Disqualified drivers who kill or injure while driving illegally will face much tougher sentences under new laws which come into effect this week.
Under the new Criminal Justice and Courts Act anyone convicted of causing death by driving while disqualified will face up to 10 years behind bars, up from the previous maximum sentence of two years in prison. A new offence of causing serious injury by driving while disqualified also comes into force, which could see those found guilty jailed for up to four years.
The stiffer penalties have been welcomed by road safety organisations.
“This is an important day for everybody involved in campaigning for better justice for victims of criminal driving”, said Ed Morrow of road safety charity Brake, who continue to push for tougher punishments against drivers who kill or injure through their Crackdown campaign.
“Getting behind the wheel when a court has already found you to be a danger on the road, and has disqualified you from doing so, is one of the most selfish decision you can make as a driver,” continued Mr Morrow.
“It is entirely right that maximum sentences are being increased, and we hope that judges will make use of them where appropriate. This is a good first step to securing better justice for victims and families, many of whom have been left feeling betrayed by inappropriate charges and paltry sentences.”
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