Dangerous driver taken off our roads before killing anyone

RoadPeace welcomes the news that a dangerous criminal has been taken off our roads, without waiting for a fatal crash to happen first. Chased by police over 23 miles and at speeds up to 130 mph, disqualified driver Christopher O’Donovan posed more danger than most drink drivers, and the impact would have been much more serious. He pleaded guilty to Dangerous Driving and received a sentence of 15 months in prison. This reflects how serious his offense was, as in 2006 70% of dangerous drivers did not receive any custodial sentence at all.

This month sees the introduction of new criminal charges.  Disqualified drivers involved in fatal crashes will face two years in prison, and this is without them causing the crash, just being involved. Thus it is only fair that someone whose driving risked the lives of others, including so many police, should receive a custodial sentence.

But we regret that he was only given a three year ban--- a much longer one could and should have been imposed. We also look forward to the time when the vehicles involved in these crimes are confiscated, in the same way as guns and knives are confiscated and uninsured vehicles already are.

Amy Aeron-Thomas

Executive Director

RoadPeace, the national charity for road crash victims