Compulsory driver education

Yet another case where the death of a cyclist occurs and the consequence is a suspended prison sentence, very short driving ban and £500 costs.

This is slightly different from others in that here the driver wouldn’t even plead guilty to causing death by careless driving. In many similar cases the charge is ‘causing death by dangerous driving’ (automatic jail term) but the prosecution settle for a guilty plea of ‘causing death by careless driving’.

The CPS appear happy to accept a guilty plea for ‘causing death by careless driving’, yet the driver ran a red light.

Why isn’t this considered dangerous driving (maximum sentence 14 years)?

According to the CPS guidance running a red light ‘intentionally’ can be considered dangerous driving, whereas ‘inadvertent’ red light running is merely careless.

Mr Creasey has received a 20 week sentence and a 3 year driving ban, more perhaps than others convicted of ‘causing death by careless driving’ but still a very light punishment for running through a red light and killing someone.