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Killer drivers set to face life behind bars

Killer drivers set to face life behind bars

Killer drivers set to face life behind bars

Drivers who kill others after speeding, racing or using a phone could soon face life behind bars.

Those who cause death by careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs could also get a life sentence.

The current maximum sentence for each crime is 14 years.

The sentencing reforms were announced this week and will be introduced in Parliament early next year, according to the BBC.

A new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving is also being proposed.

Currently, without that specific offence, drivers who cause injuries under such circumstances can only be convicted of careless driving – which has the maximum penalty of a fine.

In 2017, the Government held a consultation to ask the public whether these changes should be made. The consultation generated over 9,000 responses, and 70 per cent of respondents said a lifetime sentencing option should be available for killer drivers. A further 90 per cent supported the creation of new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving.

The “vast majority” of respondents also considered that causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving when unfit through drink or drugs should carry the same life-sentence option.

Justice Secretary Robert Buckland – also the Lord Chancellor – said: “This government has been clear that punishments must fit the crime, but too often families tell us this isn’t the case with killer drivers.

“So, I am announcing that we will bring forward legislation early next year to introduce life sentences for dangerous drivers who kill on our roads, and ensure they feel the full force of the law.”

The new legislation forms part of major sentencing reforms being announced in a White Paper this week.

Teenagers convicted of murder in England and Wales could also receive whole-life terms under the proposals. This order means the criminal is kept in prison for the rest of their life without ever becoming eligible for parole.

With a life sentence, a prisoner is given a number of years they must spend in jail after which they will be eligible to apply for parole.

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