Whiteman, of Cae Felin Parc, Hirwaun, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and failing to provide a specimen. The court heard he was of previous good character.
It just means 'has no other offences on his record', but rarely can it be so misplaced a term as in this case:
Following the collision, the defendant didn't stop and continued driving erratically at speed, narrowly avoiding a further collision with another car. Whiteman took the same loop and drove past the scene of the collision as Kaylan was being treated by members of the public. He was seen by a man who recognised him, but he revved his engine and sped off when the man attempted to take a picture of him. Whiteman then drove back to his home nearby and his two passengers got out of the car and returned to the scene of the collision, and he made his way there shortly after. A student nurse was performing CPR on Kaylan when the defendant tried to hinder her. He said: 'Do you think I give a f*** about this kid on the floor? Why the f*** don't you all just leave him and stop doing that.'
Bystanders tried to move Whiteman away as he became agitated and shouted at a man who asked him about his car. He responded: 'I don't know what you're talking about... I haven't got a car, I don't even drive.' The defendant also offered a man a fight as Kaylan lay dying in the road.Ms Cox said the defendant was abusive towards police and members of the public, and showed no remorse for his actions, saying: 'It was a f****** good show.'
All that being an aggravating factor, at least, that will attract a much harsher sentence?
Whiteman was sentenced to six years and nine months detention in a young offenders' institute. He was disqualified from driving for a period of eight years and four months.
*sighs*
3 comments:
It's an inconvenient truth that you cannot make all criminals 'have a conscience' or that everyone can be rehabilitated.
The 'trick' is to work out which criminals cannot be rehabilitated. I know no present way of determining who is safe to release - but if you could, some people could be released very quickly (just enough punishment to satisfy those who want retribution) and some would never be released if they posed a danger to the general public.
He'll do 3 years and 4 months, as his sentence will be halved 'for good behaviour' as soon as the prison van drives through the gates. The justice system in this country is a joke. Penalties for all the offences to be served concurrently, instead of consecutively. As for being banned from driving, does anyone believe he will stick to that ban? One can only hope he had to share a room (I don't think they call them cells, these days) with big Bubba, who is lonely, and missing his cuddling partner.
Penseivat
"I know no present way of determining who is safe to release - but if you could, some people could be released very quickly (just enough punishment to satisfy those who want retribution) "
There has to be an element of punishment, and not solely for the victim's need for retribution, but for society's....
"As for being banned from driving, does anyone believe he will stick to that ban?"
Judges and magistrates must do, they keep imposing them. How soul destroying to have to keep doing something you know to be pointless.
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