A sentence of 10 years imprisonment (with mandatory serious violent offence declaration) was appropriate for dangerous driving causing three deaths and one grievous bodily harm where the offender deliberately used his vehicle as a weapon, drove through two red lights at excessive speed, was unlicensed and on bail, and left the scene. The use of a motor vehicle as a weapon makes the offending at least comparable to cases involving alcohol, and warrants particular emphasis on deterrence. The Court of Appeal will intervene to impose a sentence exceeding that sought by the prosecutor at first instance where the sentencing judge failed to appreciate the seriousness of the offending.
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