Readers' action call over drink-drivers
CALLS have been made for stiffer sentences for drink- drivers after several convicted motorists were named and shamed in the Echo.
For over a month, city mother Ali Morrish and the Echo have been highlighting the dangers and potentially tragic consequences of driving while over the limit.
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Anna's Campaign logo
Ali's daughter Anna, 21, was killed in a crash in 2008 after accepting a lift back from a party from someone who had been drinking.
As part of Anna's Campaign, the Echo published the photos and details of seven people convicted of drink driving in just one day at Exeter Magistrates' Court. The publication was to highlight the fact that while the campaign has received widespread support from throughout the community, the message for some people is still not getting through.
In response, readers have flooded our website, thisisexeter.co.uk, with calls for courts to impose much stiffer sentences on anyone caught drink-driving.
Jane, of Exeter, wrote: "You shouldn't be allowed to drink anything if you intend to drive. Lower the limit to absolute zero and bring in stiffer sentences for those caught and charge those guilty of causing death by drink- driving with murder."
John Norfolk, from Tiverton, wrote: "Perhaps legislation is needed to make any disqualification from driving permanent. That is, no retake of a driving test, but banned for life."
Mark Simmons-Jenkins, of Crediton, wrote: "I believe these people were lucky to be caught before they could cause more carnage on our roads — and have to live with the fact they caused someone else's death. I would impose far stiffer penalties to motorists who use their vehicles while under the influence of drink. Those causing death or injury should be charged with manslaughter or attempted manslaughter with very stiff jail sentences and lifetime bans from our roads."
Gemma Weeks, of St Thomas, said: "They should jail anyone who has been drinking and gets behind the wheel of a car."
Others outlined the risk of drivers trying to judge whether they were over the limit.
Reacting to the comments, Mrs Morrish said: "There is only one safe way: don't drink alcohol at all if you intend to drive."
Support of the Facebook page set up for Anna's Campaign is continuing to grow and it now has 1,750 members. To add your support visit www.thisisexeter.co.uk/annascampaign.
12 Comments
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by julie soper, broadway
Monday, February 22 2010, 2:20PM
“Keep up the good work mrs morrish.
my sister and i have just joined the campaign.”
by LEONARD DAVEY, EXETER DEVON
Friday, February 19 2010, 3:54PM
“That my Friend would be against your European Human Rights.
Why should drunk drivers be punished twice.
Sorry no brainer SKOM”
by SKoM, Cullompton
Friday, February 19 2010, 2:25PM
“"It is not possible to "name and shame" people who hqve been publickl;y tried and convicted."
Not quite true Iain
You may remember the drink-driver in Topsham who retained his anonymity because he was under 18 - and many of those posting thought it a good thing at the time as it was 'just a mistake'.”
by Kelly Woodgate, St thomas
Friday, February 12 2010, 4:10PM
“Janet
if you had lost someone as Beautifull as Anna has idont think you would be coming out with such selfish dangerous rubbish.”
by Ali Morrish, Exeter
Monday, January 18 2010, 1:24PM
“Janet, having a few glasses of wine with your meal is fine. Driving after what you so quaintly term a small tipple, is not. You will be over the limit and therefore hugely more at risk of killing yourself or worst still someone else. Please take time to look at the beautiful face of my 21 year old daughter Anna on the logo before you make such ridiculous and offensive comments. Shame on you.”
by Beyond belief, Calling the police!
Saturday, January 16 2010, 2:58PM
“Janet you are without doubt the worst type of driver on the road! A few glasses of wine then off you go driving! Have you no conception of how irresponsible and downright dangerous you are! You disgust me and any right thinking person. I hope you and Kenny are caught soon before you KILL someone!”
by James, St Leonards
Saturday, January 16 2010, 2:54PM
“Sorry caps lock Kenny but drink drivers are real criminals! Potential killers. I don't care if you are 'just' over the limit! You will be impaired even if you feel fine. Janet you are wrong, you'll find most people are able to take responsibility for their own actions and not drink drive. You have no excuse!”
by Peter, Dawlish
Friday, January 15 2010, 2:12PM
“Some people just do not understand. Increasing fines will add little to the deterrent side of things.
Just go along to a magistrate Court where they deal with motoring offences and you will be surprised how many defendants return time and time again. They don't pay fines and many end up doing porridge for a period and then life for them will start all over again upon release.
They get a ban for driving, walk out of the court and drive off, with not a care in the world.
Do-gooders should be looking at the real problem and stop making silly suggestions.”
by Janet, Sidmouth Devon
Friday, January 15 2010, 2:03PM
“Most of us have done it at some time in our life.
I Can't see what harm a few glasses of wine with a meal can hurt.
Everybody seems to be on a witch hunt for those of us that enjoy a small tipple.”
by Iain Butcher, Newton Abbot / South West
Friday, January 15 2010, 1:45PM
“It is not possible to "name and shame" people who hqve been publickl;y tried and convicted.
Concentrate on the yobs who are going to grow up to be like that”