JUDGE ATTACKS 'WOEFUL SENTENCES'
JUDGE Ashurst at York Crown Court was only able to jail Gary Watling, 23, for 21 months when he pleaded guilty to two charges of dangerous driving, drink-driving and having no insurance.
His complaint comes as the Road Safety Bill before Parliament is criticised for not being tough enough on dangerous drivers.
"It just goes to show, however, serious injuries that may be caused by dangerous driving, the punishments available to the court are woefully inadequate," said the judge.
The judge jailed Watling for 21 months, banned him from driving for three y ears and ordered him to retake his driving test.
He told him, "You were driving at speed. I am satisfied you were showing off and putting your life and the lives of your passengers at risk. They were screaming at you to slow down."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Keith Bingham joined the Cycling Weekly team in the summer of 1971, and retired in 2011. During his time, he covered numerous Tours de France, Milk Races and everything in-between. He was well known for his long-running 'Bikewatch' column, and played a pivotal role in fighting for the future of once at-threat cycling venues such as Hog Hill and Herne Hill Velodrome.
-
A steel fixed-gear machine is the only bike you’ll ever need – here’s why
In a world of readily available carbon-frame bikes with 12-speed cassettes and compact cranks that allow you to spin up your local monster hill at your preferred cadence, why would you opt to ride a steel fixed -gear bike? Allow me to convince you...
By Pete van der Woude Published
-
Meet the long-haul trucker who’s clocked 600+ hours on his bike this year
From Zwifting in his cab to conquering the open road, this bike racer-turned-long-haul trucker makes the most of his life on the road
By Caroline Dezendorf Published