KILLER DRIVERS FACE LIFE IN JAIL
Tough plan to make punishment fit the crime
COFFINS containing 50 of the 71 people killed in a plane crash that nearly wiped out a Brazilian football team are unloaded from a military jet after being flown home yesterday.
They were met by president Michel Temer, who bestowed posthumous honours DANGEROUS drivers who kill will be given a life sentence under new plans.
Offenders causing death by speeding, street racing or while on a mobile face the same sentences as those charged with manslaughter.
Careless drivers who kill while under the influence of drink or drugs would also face life.
Justice Minister Sam Gyimah said: “Killer drivers ruin lives. Their ac- on the victims of Monday’s tragedy. The mayor of Chapeco, Luciano Buligon, compared the pouring rain to God’s tears as he spoke to thousands at a ceremony in the Chapecoense team’s stadium in Chapeco, southern Brazil. Just six people survived the crash near Medellin, Colombia, in which 19 of the dead were footballers flying to play in a South American cup final. Evo Morales, president of Bolivia where the plane took off, vowed “drastic action” after reports it had barely enough fuel for the flight and had run out.
A minute’s silence was held before games in Britain and Chelsea player Willian held aloft his black armband in tribute after scoring in a 3-1 win at Manchester City. tions cause immeasurable pain to families. We’re determined to make sure the punishment fits the crime. If you drive dangerously and kill, you could face a life sentence.”
The MoJ plans, currently out for consultation, include a new crime of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, carrying up to three years in jail. In 2015, 122 people were sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving and 21 convicted of causing death by careless driving while under the influence.
Charity Brake, which campaigns for families who have lost loved ones due to criminal drivers, welcomed the plans. Campaigns director Gary Rae said: “For too long, the justice system has treated them as second class citizens.”