Madam, - Recently two men from Co Derry were convicted of manslaughter/dangerous driving causing death, and were sentenced to six years' imprisonment and disqualified for 20 years.
There was no doubt from the evidence given that the driving was very dangerous. However, if the dangerous driving had not resulted in a fatality, or in serious injury, would the charges have been dealt with in the District Court, where the maximum penalties are more limited?
In other words, does the law punish the "consequences of crime", rather than the actual driving? - Yours, etc.,
FRANK MURPHY, Old Quarry, Dalkey, Co Dublin.