Sir, – I was distressed to read of the outcome of a court case concerning a “hit and run” by an uninsured driver which caused the death of a boy of just 14 years (“Addict who fatally injured teenager is sentenced”, Home News, March 13th).
The driver was eventually traced and charged, but the case before the court was on a charge of "careless driving". Witnesses testified that the speed was excessive, presumably well above 50km/h in the built-up area. Furthermore the driver admitted to not realising he had hit someone, which beggars belief, and that he was hurrying to a drug pick-up.
How, in God’s name, could he be charged only with “careless driving” instead of “dangerous driving”? Leaving all other considerations aside, it must surely be, of itself, dangerous driving merely to drive without insurance. It is poor justice for the young lad’s family that the offender got just 20 months for excessive speed resulting in a death, failing to stop at the scene and driving uninsured.
And what difference is a driving ban of 20 years going to make to someone who admits to a drug habit and driving uninsured?
My sincere sympathy goes to the poor lad’s grieving family in their desolation. – Yours, etc,
EAMONN PURCELL,
Glasnevin,
Dublin 9.