Dangerous drivers to face five years in jail as maximum sentence is more than doubled

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Updated:

 

The maximum sentence for dangerous driving will be more than doubled, Justice Secretary Jack Straw said last night.

He warned that reckless drivers who leave other drivers, passengers or pedestrians seriously hurt could be locked up for five years - a significant increase from the current maximum of two years.

Mr Straw said: 'Dangerous driving can destroy lives and have a devastating impact on the families and friends of its victims.

Cerys Edwards
Cerys Edwards

The case of Cerys Edwards, who was left paralysed after being injured in a car accident, prompted the Government's tough new stance

'We have listened to the innocent victims of dangerous drivers, their families and road safety groups. Their experiences have directly informed these changes.'

Sources said he was influenced by the case of Cerys Edwards, who was injured so severely in a crash that she has permanent brain injury and paralysis.

But he admitted the law would not come into effect until after the general election.

Millionaire's son Antonio Singh Boparan, 21, was jailed for 21 months after causing a crash while speeding at 72mph in a 30mph zone in November 2006, which left one-year- old Cerys Edwards fighting for her life.

Birmingham Crown Court heard Boparan, who had passed his test six months earlier, made a dangerous overtake in a Range Rover as he drove in Sutton Coldfield.

Judge Frank Chapman told him said: 'Many will think the sentence I am passing is too short.

'Cerys sustained very serious injuries. Those injuries are irreversible - she will never walk and never talk again. The lives of her family have been utterly ruined.

'You were driving a very, very powerful car - a tank with a sport car engine. You were clearly not suitable to drive it.'

The case prompted an appeal for a change to the law, led by the toddler's parents. Her father Gareth said Boparan should have got 14 years, the same as for causing death by dangerous driving.'

At least 2,500 people died on the roads in 2009. Safety charity Brake said: 'A charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, which should carry a much higher sentence than five years, is urgently needed.

Dangerous driving is extremely serious, often leaving victims brain damaged, paralysed, and with loss of limb.'

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