Dangerous drivers who kill now set to face life in jail

Dangerous drivers who kill are set to face life sentences for the first time under a new crackdown.

Motorists who cause death by speeding, street racing or while on a mobile phone are among those who could be handed tougher punishments.

Offenders convicted of causing death by careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs could also be given life sentences under the Government plans.

They come in the wake of our Drive for Justice campaign, which calls on the Government to give judges greater sentencing powers in death by dangerous driving cases.

Ministers hope the proposed move will see an increase in the punishments faced by those responsible for the most serious offences.

Under the current regime they can attract a maximum sentence of 14 years - but the average custodial sentence for causing death by careless or dangerous driving was 45.8 months, or just under four years, in 2015.

Unveiling the proposals, Justice Minister Sam Gyimah said: “Killer drivers ruin lives. Their actions cause immeasurable pain to families, who must endure tragic, unnecessary losses.

“While impossible to compensate for the death of a loved one, we are determined to make sure the punishment fits the crime.

“My message is clear - if you drive dangerously and kill on our roads, you could face a life sentence.”

Ministers are set to launch a consultation on the proposals, which includes increasing the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving from 14 years to life.