Family of Bristol tandem death couple call for tougher sentences for repeat driving offenders

I sent Mr. McDonald an email:

Dear Mr. McDonald

I am contacting you because of your flippant throwaway comment regards ‘Clipping of Cyclists’ made during your speech about reforms. No doubt others have contacted you but I want an explanation from you as to how you think that clipping a cyclist is not of any great concern? I also call on you to publicly address this matter with utmost expedience.

Surely if you are close enough to clip a cyclist then you are driving in contravention of the Highway Code regarding safe overtaking? By your statement you are, effectively, condoning dangerous driving, reckless endangerment or the contravention of numerous other laws and for someone, especially in the position you are in, to make such a statement is reprehensible.

Purely because a person chooses to ride a bicycle does in no way diminish their right to get from A to B in safety! Might I suggest that you bear that in mind in future and I expectantly await your reply?

Regards

Lets see if he answers it?

I wonder if Alistair MacDonald also advocates leniency on other minor infringements, like stabbing someone 'just a bit' or shooting someone 'only slightly'? Just think of all the law abiding citizens who are currently victimised by the justice system for really hardly burgling someone at all, they are the real losers here.

If the proper process of justice operates correctly Mr MacDonald that the transparency of process should clearly show that a person with no previous history of convictions or reported bad driving, or even a trail of civil claims for damage, would obviously be seen as one making a bad error of judgement in their driving behaviour, but one that may be shaped by circumstances, such as the consumption of alcohol, or outburst of temper, which in turn should shape the sentencing.

However there is clear evidence that a substantial number of road incidents are caused by a relatively small percentage of the 'driving' population, with several of the serial killers we are currently discussing (McCourt, Lopes, and now Lovell), and not forgetting the likes of Putz with a horrendous history of driving offences that still failed to get his vocational licence revoked by the Traffic Commissioner (perhaps an easier move than a driving ban but one that removes such a dangerous driver from being in control (sic) of a large goods vehicle.

Let's give this campaign the momentum it deserves. First and hopefully fast to deliver is a call for clear formal notification from the Courts to the Traffic Commissioners whenever a vocational licence holder is convicted of any driving offence, and perhaps also for a number of other crimimal offences - the evidence suggesting that those who have little regard for motoring law have little regard for other laws of the land. This would certainly make a few of the rogue LGV and PCV drivers, and operators, consider their position on pushing beyond the limits.

Sorting out the sentencing is another matter. Banging up offenders in prisons is of limited use and costly, although for killing, especially with the premeditation of driving when unfit to do so does deserve a custodial term.

The detail remains that truly effective ban on driving is something we have a clear need to address, given that so many of the killers have been driving whilst already banned or without even holding a driving licence. Modern electronics and position monitoring might go some way towards this. Perhaps any driving ban might eventually be accompanied by a requirement for the banned individual to carry a device which logs their position throughout the day and either records or sends this back to a recording point. Monitoring the movements should allow the journeys made on foot (<4mph), or cycle, or by scheduled public transport to be clearly identified, leaving other journeys made by car, where the speeds can be checked against the posted speed limmits, and the proof of another person driving can be required. It might be appropriate to let the bereaved family have an overview of this monitoring to ensure that the closest scrutiny of the effectiveness of the driving ban is ensured.

With one driver having 30 penalty points, yet no automatic loss of licence we also have to question the thinking of those enforcing the law. Many people cannot hold a driving licence and thus have to get others to drive for them, and the clear result for racking up 12 penalty points is that you will have to arrange for someone else to do the driving if you need to make a journey with a private car, or other vehicle. The number of drivers who the Courts have allowed to carry on driving with a total ban is staggering and surely can be trimmed by a review of the 'mitigating factors' (AKA excuses to get off the hook)

I don't think in this case the sentence is exceptionally lenient, 10 & 1/2 years for effectively 2 x manslaughter isn't awful.
The problem is more what led to the incident happening ie 11 x driving while disqualified - clearly not being punished harshly enough.

Could I "clip" Mr MacDonald round his ear? I mean Its such a trivial thing I'm sure he wouldn't press charges if I did

Cannot understand why Lovell was not charged with Manslaughter. Surely that level of previous coupled with trying to evade the police at the time elevates his crime past a plain driving offence.

Secondly Alastair MacDonald is clearly stupid on a couple of accounts.

Increasing sentencing maximums would not catch out "normal" people. It is intended for serious repeat offenders. These offences are akin to murder with a car.

Killing and maiming people with vehicles needs to be taken much more seriously in this country.

"Clipping a bike" - Balls - It's running someone over. does he view "clipping" pedestrians equally as flippantly

Perhaps if Mr. MacDonald was 'Clipped' by a vehicle he might give it a bit more respect? It's rather frightening to think that these types of idiots are still in a position of power I suppose wearing a short skirt means she asked for it?

Mr MacDonald, you are a dangerous idiot.