This should raise the blood pressure

[TimberWolf]

On a personal note, I can't work out if I'm more disgusted/outraged/horrified at the driver or our legal system that has so spectacularly failed (again).

I would also add that if it were my child he'd killed and then been effectively let off to do it again, that I'd impose my own 'justice' on him and damn the consequences.

Given the publicity, he might be safer in Iraq.

[GillsMan]

Do you live in Britain?

Yes. Was born here.

[GillsMan]

I disagree the sentencing should be harsher. it should be the same.

I agree if we're talking about custodial sentences. They should be the same, absolutely. But if you don't have the legal, automatic right to be here (i.e. British/EU citizenship) then that privilege to remain here should/could be revoked if the crime is serious enough. Whether this crime is serious enough to warrant that I'm not sure.

[wobbegong]

Given the publicity, he might be safer in Iraq.

I think you're right. It wouldn't surprise me to hear of his body being found in a skip shortly.

[d000hg]

One thing I couldn't tell from those who call this a travesty... is it the short prison sentence, or the lack of deportation? To me, failing to deport the guy is hardly a big deal.

On a slight tangent, if you are driving and you hit and kill someone, are you automatically guilty of a crime? e.g. if you are within the speed limit and not talking on your phone and some kid jumps out between parked cars.

[lilelvis2000]

I agree if we're talking about custodial sentences. They should be the same, absolutely. But if you don't have the legal, automatic right to be here (i.e. British/EU citizenship) then that privilege to remain here should/could be revoked if the crime is serious enough. Whether this crime is serious enough to warrant that I'm not sure.

People with ILR, or a limited-leave, can have it revoked if they commit a serious crime whilst here. The UKBA has to apply to remove it (the leave)...which means the usual appeal process, and then the removal can also be appealed...so quite a lengthy process. But at least there is a process.

[Bagpuss]

One thing I couldn't tell from those who call this a travesty... is it the short prison sentence, or the lack of deportation? To me, failing to deport the guy is hardly a big deal.

On a slight tangent, if you are driving and you hit and kill someone, are you automatically guilty of a crime? e.g. if you are within the speed limit and not talking on your phone and some kid jumps out between parked cars.

That is probably why he got a short sentence. The sentencing guidelines are available on the web for all these kind of driving offences. There are various mitigating and aggravating circumstances that dictate the sentence. Of course anything heard in a Magistrates court (where the Magistrates are not usually legally qualified) can be subject to extreme variation in sentencing for a similar offence depending on where when and who hears the case. Whether a driver who has done nothing wrong may be prosecuted is probably entirely down to luck.

However as you allude to this guy is not being processed on his moral turpitude as a whole. When all things are considered it seems unjust but the law is working here on a case by case basis.

[TimberWolf]

Putting the deportation issue aside for a moment, 4 months for killing a child is probably less time than you'd get for stealing.

[VectraMan]

On a slight tangent, if you are driving and you hit and kill someone, are you automatically guilty of a crime? e.g. if you are within the speed limit and not talking on your phone and some kid jumps out between parked cars.

There was that case not so long ago of two kids playing on the M62 and being killed. I don't think anybody would have suggested the drivers were somehow to blame.

[Lockhouse]

Listen - criminal loses a lot of rights, one of which right to remain where he is, right to see his family more than allowed by law etc.

That guy isn't even a citizen, he was here illegally and killed a young girl - managed to escape long jail sentence and now can remain here indefinately what a load of bollocks.

There is no human right to demand being able to remain or settle in this country - this area is controlled by immigration law, and so long as no torture involved or anything like this then deportation is in order.

Frankly any violent criminal who can be deported should be deported within hours of release.

**** me I agree with AtW!