I agree, 21 years seems massive. Especially as these things are normally done concurrently, so you just go for the longest individual sentence.
But he’s gone from man who panics after his car is attacked to man who angrily drives into a crowd after being blocked from going where he wants.
I’m more shocked that someone who caused injuries whilst driving received a custodial sentence…
Yes I am a #bloodycyclist, how could you tell?
Section 18s carry a theoretical possibility of a Life Sentence, you will just struggle to achieve the level of Harm and Culpability in a single incident WITHOUT also committing attempted Murder!
The top end of the guidelines, for a serious single count is 12 years’ so 21 for this number of incidents isn’t a surprise. Also, you serve two thirds at that level, not half.
Interestingly, the maximum sentence for killing people by driving dangerously is only 14 years!
thank you - today I learnt.
see this is why i was confused. thank you for offering this context.
14 years is a reasonable upper limit for DbDD, on the basis that under that offence, death is caused by unintentional, but incredibly reckless behaviour. in essence an accident, albeit one very likely to occur.
If the Crown thought that death was intended, then the charge would be Murder using a vehicle as as weapon, and then the limit is Life.
On Wednesday, a spokesman for the Attorney General’s Office said: “We have received several requests for Paul Doyle’s sentence to be considered under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme.
“The law officers have 28 days from sentencing to carefully consider the case and make a decision.”
People will ULS everything they can irrespective of merits.
What?
some people do not think 21 years is long enough (too lenient) and so used the system to apply for a review to be conducted - presumably in the hope this is extended
I wonder if a review of the sentence could go the other way?
Only if he also appeals.
Which he may as well
Nothing to lose