Monday, September 10, 2007
Drivers face jail for using hand-held mobile phone while driving
Drivers who use a hand-held mobile phone while driving could be jailed and motorists who kill could face manslaughter charges under a tough new approach expected to be adopted by prosecutors. The potential changes were outlined by director of public prosecutions, Sir Ken Macdonald, following a three-month public consultation on prosecuting bad driving. The consultation was held following increasing public concern about the leniency of some sentences handed down to offenders. The CPS policy on prosecuting road traffic offences will be officially published in the autumn. Changes are likely to include:
More detailed guidance for prosecutors on when it is appropriate for a charge of manslaughter instead of a lesser offence so that the correct charge is chosen from the start. The maximum penalty for manslaughter is life in prison.
Public concerns about the dangers of driving while using a mobile phone means that a charge of dangerous driving will now be the starting point for this offence, where there is clear evidence that danger has been caused by its use. The maximum penalty for dangerous driving is two years jail. The current penalty is three points and a £60 fine.
DATED: 10.09.07
FEED: AW
More detailed guidance for prosecutors on when it is appropriate for a charge of manslaughter instead of a lesser offence so that the correct charge is chosen from the start. The maximum penalty for manslaughter is life in prison.
Public concerns about the dangers of driving while using a mobile phone means that a charge of dangerous driving will now be the starting point for this offence, where there is clear evidence that danger has been caused by its use. The maximum penalty for dangerous driving is two years jail. The current penalty is three points and a £60 fine.
DATED: 10.09.07
FEED: AW
