The Judge sentenced after conviction for 'Dangerous Driving'. The offence prosecuted - as no-one lost their life in this 'incident', where higher tariffs would be applicable. The maximum allowed by schedule of statute herein was therefore given.
To elevate an enhanced punishment for this offence a statutory reformation would be necessary. This was last undertaken in the reform of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015. Thereafter sentencing in this example was increased to two years maximum.
The conjecture to leniency on sentencing is heightened by focused media attention upon instances where extremes, such as these are represented. In cases where latent or supreme disregard for human life are shown, I consider a term up to ten years would be appropriate. Within these considerations I would have given the maximum in this instance, knowing that the convicted would in all probability, be free in five years. I would also welcome the decision for a life time ban on driving motor vehicles to also have been available. From reports it's unclear whether the convicted man even had a driving licence of any denomination?
Judges need more head room to make the punishment suitably applicable, taking into account all circumstances? The convicted, lets remember always has the tort of appeal available for judicial review of sentence? This tragically sad case of a young innocent life horribly marred for its term by the arid hubris of the disaffected perpetrator is significantly in need of urgent reparation. Both to provide a more fitting reaction to its heinous propensity and as a stronger deterrent for the future.