Increase sentences for drink drivers to 14 years – Noone

Dublin Senator and Fine Gael candidate for Dublin West, Catherine Noone, has called for tougher sentences for drink drivers. Senator Noone made the call following the tragic death of four-year-old Ciaran Treacy.
“The sentence imposed for drink driving causing death should be increased to 14 years. This would bring it in line with the UK.
“Currently under section 53 of the Road Traffic Act where a person is convicted of dangerous driving causing death or serious bodily harm to another, he or she is liable on conviction on indictment to a prison term of up to 10 years, a fine up to €20,000, or both.
“In the United Kingdom, however, a person convicted of drunk driving resulting in a fatality is liable to a sentence of 14 years imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
“As we have seen in the heart-breaking case of Ciaran Treacy and numerous other such cases, drink driving destroys lives and the families of all those involved.
“It is high time that we sent out a strong message that driving whilst under the influence of drink is an extremely serious crime and will result in severe and lengthy custodial consequences.”