Post by Dave on Oct 7, 2008 18:39:57 GMT
Yesterday when I made my posts, I had not seen any news, or really knew any Of the facts that can out in court.My views were based On just what a tragedy I felt It was for all concerned and that included Luke McCormick.
To day On the J.Vine show on BBC radio 2, there was a debate about this story. The debate question was "what do you have to do, to get the maximum sentence".The first person who spoke, outlined the details Of the case, highlighting Luke McCormick's drinking, lack Of sleep and the way he was driving etc.
So this person asked, why has he only got seven years, when he should have been given fourteen years, as this Is the maximum sentence.It was also asked why killing by a drunken driver, Is only a road traffic offense and not one Of manslaughter.I will give my views on that shortly.
The second person, gave the reasons why a judge, might reduce the sentence from the maximum, down to seven years. He said that Luke McCormick had owned up at the scene Of the crash, was Of good character, had not committed any other offenses, had pleaded guilty and was very remorseful.
It was also said that as he would not be able to continue as a footballer, the judge would have considered that was also a punishment as well as the guilt he would feel for the rest Of his life.One email to the show was from someone who claimed he was Luke McCormick's very best friend, he did not defend McCormick in any way, but did paint a picture Of a young man who was normally a very decent person.
Most Of the phone In viewers seemed to want the book thrown at McCormick and felt he should be locked away for life. I did feel that so many just saw the footballer and In my view allowed that to get in their way Of their judgment.While others felt It was because he was a footballer, that he only got seven years.
Only a few felt like I did last night and could see that McCormick, would never be the same person and will suffer for the rest Of his life.On the other hand there were those who said, that when he came out, he would still have a life, could get married and have children. This is something those little boys will never be able to do and sadly the father will have so much to deal with, not just the grieve he will suffer, but his own injuries suffered In the crash.
So how did I feel after hearing all the debate? Well I still felt sorry for all concerned and still felt some pity for McCormick, but feel that what ever the price, he has to pay It In full. I also found myself asking should there be a change in the law.
We know firstly It Is against the law to drink and drive, we also know that by breaking that law, we run the risk Of having a serious accident and maybe killing someone.So should killing by drunk driving, just be a road traffic offense.
Well I believe It needs to be changed to manslaughter and any case should be tried on those charges. Murder we know Is premeditated, while manslaughter, Is killing without intent, but someone still was killed by your actions.
Maybe If this change was made and the next case we here that the drunk driver has been given 30 years, It would make those about to get into a car drunk, think really hard about what could happen to them, If they caused a death.
I also think that any sentence given, should be what It says, seven years should mean seven years, not three years with good behavior.I wonder how Luke felt last night. now locked in a cell, he did not set out to harm anyone, but sadly harmed so many and I hope In time people will find some forgiveness for him, he Is not some mad crazy man, who wanted to cause harm, but someone who made the worst and fatal decision Of his life.
To day On the J.Vine show on BBC radio 2, there was a debate about this story. The debate question was "what do you have to do, to get the maximum sentence".The first person who spoke, outlined the details Of the case, highlighting Luke McCormick's drinking, lack Of sleep and the way he was driving etc.
So this person asked, why has he only got seven years, when he should have been given fourteen years, as this Is the maximum sentence.It was also asked why killing by a drunken driver, Is only a road traffic offense and not one Of manslaughter.I will give my views on that shortly.
The second person, gave the reasons why a judge, might reduce the sentence from the maximum, down to seven years. He said that Luke McCormick had owned up at the scene Of the crash, was Of good character, had not committed any other offenses, had pleaded guilty and was very remorseful.
It was also said that as he would not be able to continue as a footballer, the judge would have considered that was also a punishment as well as the guilt he would feel for the rest Of his life.One email to the show was from someone who claimed he was Luke McCormick's very best friend, he did not defend McCormick in any way, but did paint a picture Of a young man who was normally a very decent person.
Most Of the phone In viewers seemed to want the book thrown at McCormick and felt he should be locked away for life. I did feel that so many just saw the footballer and In my view allowed that to get in their way Of their judgment.While others felt It was because he was a footballer, that he only got seven years.
Only a few felt like I did last night and could see that McCormick, would never be the same person and will suffer for the rest Of his life.On the other hand there were those who said, that when he came out, he would still have a life, could get married and have children. This is something those little boys will never be able to do and sadly the father will have so much to deal with, not just the grieve he will suffer, but his own injuries suffered In the crash.
So how did I feel after hearing all the debate? Well I still felt sorry for all concerned and still felt some pity for McCormick, but feel that what ever the price, he has to pay It In full. I also found myself asking should there be a change in the law.
We know firstly It Is against the law to drink and drive, we also know that by breaking that law, we run the risk Of having a serious accident and maybe killing someone.So should killing by drunk driving, just be a road traffic offense.
Well I believe It needs to be changed to manslaughter and any case should be tried on those charges. Murder we know Is premeditated, while manslaughter, Is killing without intent, but someone still was killed by your actions.
Maybe If this change was made and the next case we here that the drunk driver has been given 30 years, It would make those about to get into a car drunk, think really hard about what could happen to them, If they caused a death.
I also think that any sentence given, should be what It says, seven years should mean seven years, not three years with good behavior.I wonder how Luke felt last night. now locked in a cell, he did not set out to harm anyone, but sadly harmed so many and I hope In time people will find some forgiveness for him, he Is not some mad crazy man, who wanted to cause harm, but someone who made the worst and fatal decision Of his life.
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