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."