A cannabis-impaired driver who caused the death of an 11-year-old girl has seen his prison sentence significantly reduced in a controversial Court of Appeal decision that has left the victim's family devastated.
Tragic Collision Claims Young Life
The fatal incident occurred when the drug-driver, whose system contained cannabis above the legal limit, lost control of his vehicle and collided with young girl as she walked near her home. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but despite their efforts, the child could not be saved.
Original Sentence Overturned
Initially handed a substantial prison term for causing death by dangerous driving, the offender recently successfully appealed his sentence. Three senior judges ruled that the original punishment was "excessive" given the circumstances, reducing his time behind bars by several years.
Family's Anguish Deepens
The decision has compounded the grief of the young victim's family, who described the sentence reduction as "a second tragedy." In an emotional statement, they expressed their devastation at seeing their daughter's killer receive a lighter punishment, questioning the justice system's commitment to victims' rights.
Legal Controversy Erupts
The ruling has sparked debate among legal experts and road safety campaigners about sentencing consistency in drug-driving cases. Many are concerned that reduced sentences for such serious offences could undermine deterrents against driving under the influence of illegal substances.
Road safety charities have joined the family in expressing disappointment with the court's decision, emphasizing that drug-driving claims hundreds of lives each year and deserves the strongest possible penalties.
