Father of Student Killed by Drunk Driver Supports Tougher Sentencing
A man whose son was killed by a drunk driver has expressed support for forthcoming tougher sentencing laws, believing they will influence road user behavior positively.
Enda Dolan, aged 18, was in his first term at Queen's University Belfast when he was fatally struck by a van that mounted the footpath in 2014.
The Sentencing Bill, introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly, proposes stricter sentences for various offences. Notably, it increases the maximum penalty for causing death or serious injury by dangerous driving or careless driving while under the influence of drink or drugs from 14 years to 20 years.
Welcoming this change, Enda's father, Peter Dolan, stated:
"We've been campaigning well over 10 years for the change in law."
The bill, brought forward by the Department of Justice (DoJ), also includes provisions for a discretionary life sentence for repeat offenders and stipulates that driving disqualification periods will typically be served after release from prison.
Importance of Using New Powers
Speaking to NI, Peter Dolan emphasized his family's support for the tougher sentencing measures.
"I think this will change how people behave,"
he said.
"Along with the legal change, it's important that the people - the judges - making the decisions in terms of sentencing use the powers and the law available to them."
Peter added that hearing about another road death causes his "heart to sink" and reminds his family of their own loss.
"With this deterrent, with the judges handing out stiffer sentences, along with a media campaign and educating young people from an early age whenever they're taking their driving lessons and at school, this will make our roads a little bit safer, and I think that's paramount,"
he concluded.
Details of the Incident and Trial
Enda Dolan, originally from County Tyrone, was a talented artist and musician studying architecture. He was walking to his student accommodation when a van mounted the footpath and struck him.
During the trial, it was revealed that the driver, David Lee Stewart, drove with Enda on the roof of his van for approximately 800 yards before stopping.
The court was informed that Stewart, who lived on Gray's Park Avenue, Belfast, had consumed 13 alcoholic drinks, including six pints of beer and four Jagerbombs, a combination of a spirit and an energy drink.
Additionally, traces of drugs, including cocaine, were found in his system.
Stewart was initially sentenced to seven years, with half to be served in prison and half on licence. This sentence was later increased to nine years on appeal.
Following the case in 2016, then-Justice Minister Claire Sugden announced a major review of sentencing.
In 2021, Justice Minister Naomi Long proposed increasing the maximum sentence from 14 to 20 years.
Additional Provisions in the Sentencing Bill
The bill will also establish 'Charlotte's Law,' which mandates longer jail terms for killers who refuse to disclose the locations of their victims' bodies.
This legislation is named after Charlotte Murray, a murder victim who went missing in 2012; her body has never been found. Her former partner, Johnny Miller, was convicted of her murder.
The bill includes provisions similar to Helen's Law, requiring parole commissioners to consider failure to disclose the location of victims' remains when making release decisions.
Furthermore, the Sentencing Bill aims to modernize hate crime laws in Northern Ireland and introduce a new offence with increased sentences for assaulting individuals providing public services or performing public duties.
Victims' Role in Bill Development
Justice Minister Naomi Long described the bill's introduction as a significant day for victims.
"Victims of crime, and their families and representatives, have been integral to the development of this bill,"
she said.
"We have listened to the concerns they raised and we have responded."
