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British drivers to face life sentence for dangerous driving: justice ministry

Xinhua, December 5, 2016 Adjust font size:

Motorists who cause deaths by their dangerous driving are to face the same life prison sentence for people convicted of murder, Britain's Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said Sunday.

Courts in Britain have currently handed out lengthy sentences for drivers causing deaths while using cellphones while driving their vehicles.

But the maximum term they can currently set is 14 years behind bars.

Government ministers have put forward the plan to give judges the power to jail people for life, the highest punishment available in British courts.

Drivers face life sentences for causing death by dangerous driving, matching sentences for manslaughter. It targeted motorists using cellphones while they are driving, as well as motorists involved in street racing or driving at high speeds.

Drivers who cause death by less serious charge of careless driving, will also face life sentences if they cause accidents while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Currently the maximum sentence is also 14 years behind bars.

A new 3 year jail term will be introduced for careless drivers causing serious injury.

The courts will also have the power to impose longer driving disqualifications against convicted motorists.

The MoJ said the new plan comes as ministers seek to deter dangerous, criminal behaviour on Britain's roads, and make sure killer drivers face the toughest penalties.

In one of the most recent cases lorry driver Tomasz Kroker who killed a mother and three children while distracted by his cellphone was jailed for ten years. Endit