where the theft of equipment causes serious disruption to a victims life or business), A greater degree of provocation than normally expected, Youth or age, where it affects the responsibility of the individual defendant, The fact that the offender played only a minor role in the offence. the fatality, is what makes the offence considerably more serious. 12 January 2023. The consequence of the dangerous driving i.e. The driver drove their vehicle dangerously; the terms used could be recklessly driving too fast, for instance. The requirements are identical to those available for community orders, see the guideline on Imposition of Community and Custodial Sentences. Where information is available on the context of previous offending this may assist the court in assessing the relevance of that prior offending to the current offence, An intention to commit more serious harm than actually resulted from the offence, Commission of the offence for financial gain (where this is not inherent in the offence itself), An attempt to conceal or dispose of evidence, Failure to respond to warnings or concerns expressed by others about the offenders behaviour, Offence motivated by hostility towards a minority group, or a member or members of it, Deliberate targeting of vulnerable victim(s), Commission of an offence while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Use of a weapon to frighten or injure victim, Deliberate and gratuitous violence or damage to property, over and above what is needed to carry out the offence, An especially serious physical or psychological effect on the victim, even if unintended, A sustained assault or repeated assaults on the same victim, Location of the offence (for example, in an isolated place), Offence is committed against those working in the public sector or providing a service to the public, Presence of others e.g. ZDNmZDVlMWVlNDY3MzFhYmU3NTcxNjNlNWRkOTYyNTg3MDNlMTZjNjEwZTUz Causing death by dangerous driving carries a maximum sentence of 14 years' imprisonment. ZDg0YzM0MDE0M2FjZmU1NDZmY2I5YjJjYjY3MjczMmM1NjQxZTU4MDJkOThj If they decide to hear it, you will be given a date for your appeal hearing. It provides guidance which sentencers are encouraged to take into account wherever applicable, to ensure that there is fairness for all involved in court proceedings. Using a hand-held mobile phone when driving is, in itself, an unlawful act; the fact that an offender was avoidably distracted by using a hand-held mobile phone when a causing death by driving offence was committed will always make an offence more serious. Do not retain this copy. Speaking after the hearing, the Solicitor General said: It was only a matter of time before Guests dangerous and irresponsible behaviour caused serious harm. There are a number of possible defences to a charge of death by dangerous driving, depending on the circumstances of the case. YjFmNzllMTgxMzliZmY0Yzg4NWI4MTZjNWRlYjlkNjg3OWFkNmRhMmM2ZTdj ZDgxNGViODYzMTFiOTZiYjVhNDFkYzNmNzdkNGY1NGM5YzAzNDgxZGE5MGM1 The Council guideline Overarching Principles: Seriousness [now replaced by the General guideline] includes a generic mitigating factor youth or age, where it affects the responsibility of the individual defendant[now: "Age and/or lack of maturity]. Contact us for a free consultation, our expert solicitors will be able to discuss your case and advise on legal options. Where the actions of the victim or a third party contributed to the commission of an offence, this should be acknowledged and taken into account as a mitigating factor. Bristol The Road Traffic Act 1988 defines causing death by dangerous driving as: 'A person who causes death of another person by driving a mechanically propelled vehicle dangerously on a road or other public place is guilty of an offence.' Sentencers should take into account relevant matters of personal mitigation; in particular: This is not a factor that automatically should be treated as a mitigating factor, especially now that the presence of previous convictions is a statutory aggravating factor. Punishment for a Death by Dangerous Driving charge. Section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (as substituted by section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1991 [1] ), creates the offences of causing death by dangerous driving: A person who causes the death of another person by driving a mechanically propelled vehicle dangerously on a road or other public place is guilty of an offence. A former US spy has pleaded guilty to causing the death of Harry Dunn by careless driving, following a three-year campaign for justice by the teenager's family. The definition of the offence of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving is set out by the 1988 Road Traffic Act, which states 'a person who causes the death of another person by driving a mechanically propelled vehicle dangerously on a road or other public place is guilty of an offence'. Newcastle The fact that the victim of a causing death by driving offence was a particularly vulnerable road user is a factor that should be taken into account when determining the seriousness of an offence. This may result in a sentence level being identified that is higher than the suggested starting point, sometimes substantially so. dangerous driving whilst under the influence, Other offences committed at the same time, i.e. Chelmsford MDMwNTNmM2FiZDg0MzkwZDkyYjkxYmRkYmExZDIzOWYxN2NjMzlhODg5NzQy YmI4ZjY3NDI0YWIzZDY3ZjVhMjZmNjgyOTdhZWYzYmNkZjllZTIxYmQ2ZDE4 ZGQ5N2ZiM2NkNDU4ZGUyOTAzMjI3MTJlYzcxNTAzMjQzMTg4NWMyNmZjMjEw There may be many reasons why an offender does not offer help to the victims at the scene the offender may be injured, traumatised by shock, afraid of causing further injury or simply have no idea what action to take and it would be inappropriate to assess the offence as more serious on this ground (and so increase the level of sentence). This is because the offence carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison and so it is essential to have experienced legal representation to give you the best chance of avoiding a custodial sentence. Guest was originally sentenced in December 2018 to 5 years and 3 months in prison at Worcester Crown Court. For those offences where the presence of alcohol or drugs is not an element of the offence, where there is sufficient evidence of driving impairment attributable to alcohol or drugs, the consumption of alcohol or drugs prior to driving will make an offence more serious. This information applies to the four guidelines for causing death by dangerous driving, causing death by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, causing death by careless driving and causing death by driving:unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured drivers. Previous convictions are considered at step two in the Councils offence-specific guidelines. They will need to be able to understand the complex legal processes involved and be confident in representing you in court. There are five factors that may be regarded as determinants of offence seriousness, each of which can be demonstrated in a number of ways. NTU5NzhhMmFlZGIxMjBkMTAzYTE5ZTRhYzkyMDNjMWEwOGRhYmZiYzU2ZmYy If you do decide to appeal, the process works like this: This is a simplified guide to the appeal process and you should speak to a lawyer if you want more information. Your lawyer will be able to advise you on what is likely to happen in your case and how best to plead. The following factors should be weighed in considering whether it is possible to suspend the sentence: Factors indicating that it would not be appropriate to suspend a custodial sentence, Factors indicating that it may be appropriate to suspend a custodial sentence, Offender presents a risk/danger to the public, Appropriate punishment can only be achieved by immediate custody, History of poor compliance with court orders, Immediate custody will result in significant harmful impact upon others. You have rejected additional cookies. If the death has been referred for Coroner investigation, we can look to see if there are any four-digit ICD-10 codes as the secondary cause (S and T codes), whilst looking at specific circumstances surrounding the death. If you are found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, the consequences are severe. Where the current offence is significantly less serious than the previous conviction (suggesting a decline in the gravity of offending), the previous conviction may carry less weight. We use this information to make the website work as well as possible and improve our services. There were 576 crime offences causing death of serious injury by dangerous driving in England and Wales in 2021/22, a decrease when compared with the previous year, and a peak for the. MGJiY2UwM2IyMzQyZWI4ZGM0MGQxNDBmNGZiMGIwOTkyYzFkYzljZjhlZGY0 There will have been an obvious risk of danger and clear blame. The case will be allocated to either the magistrates court or the Crown Court, depending on its seriousness. Offences under s.1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 are specified offences for the purposes of sections 266 and 279 (extended sentence for certain violent, sexual or terrorism offences) of the Sentencing Code. MDBiOWM4ODI5NWJjNTlhYmZjMDlhZDU4ZGY3YWYxOTJmYmRkNDViOGI0Mzgx Select format (Excel or CSV for example) For more historic data, please use our. ZjdmY2U1Y2Q3NzcwYWVkNjdiZDc4NmM3ZDYzYzQ0NjBlZWE5YzNmYTE2ZWMy OTQwMjQ5NDlkMGM4OTdhMGZlM2VmYzA1MjJhZDQ1NTQyNWQ5OGU2MTIwMTc0 Nick also oversees the overall management of Lawtons Solicitors, a specialist firm of criminal law defence solicitors with branches across London, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Essex. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Prosecutor Gavin Doig, said it was around 4.35pm on Sunday June 20 that Owens was driving his Ford Mondeo on Sulgrave Road, Washington, with 29-year-old Dean in the passenger seat wearing a seat . We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Canada's Criminal Code has equivalent provisions covering dangerous driving (see "Canada" section below). The fact that an offenders lack of driving experience contributed to the commission of an offence should be treated as a mitigating factor; in this regard, the age of the offender is not relevant. These include: These are just some of the ways in which the sentence can be reduced. 8) How many people have had a further speeding offence or been arrested for a suspected driving offence, whilst on bail after being charged with causing death by dangerous driving. YmNhNThmYzY3ZmZlNDI0ZjBhOWZmNWNhNTI2ODlmMzBmZjE4OWI2YzJhNmYx We do not hold any data on the cost of the Think! E+W+S. 2 Dangerous driving. Pay for any outstanding fees quickly and securely by clicking below. It is distinct from careless or inconsiderate driving. The driver of a car that went through a barrier and on to Tube tracks in west London has pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving. document.addEventListener('wpcf7mailsent', function (event) { Triable on indictment Maximum: 14 years custody, minimum disqualification of 2 years with compulsory extended re-test. Driving too close to a bike or horse; allowing a vehicle to mount the pavement; driving into a cycle lane; and driving without the care needed in the vicinity of a pedestrian crossing, hospital, school or residential home, are all examples of factors that should be taken into account when determining the seriousness of an offence. Dont worry we wont send you spam or share your email address with anyone. But how is the final sentence determined? If you have any crime-related queries in the future, please emailcrimestatistics@ons.gov.ukand we will endeavour to help. This can be accessed by following these instructions: However, we cannot tell from the ICD-10 code if the accident was the fault of the deceased. This can include speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, street racing, and more. Where there has been a significant gap between previous and current convictions or a reduction in the frequency of offending this may indicate that the offender has made attempts to desist from offending in which case the aggravating effect of the previous offending will diminish. Well send you a link to a feedback form. London 2) Is it unavoidable that a sentence of imprisonment be imposed? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. If you believe Wordfence should be allowing you access to this site, please let them know using the steps below so they can investigate why this is happening. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services. According to death by dangerous driving sentencing guidelines, it can carry a sentence of up to 14 years in prison. The main factor that varies between these driving offences where a death occurs is how much the offender is to blame and how bad the driving or failure by the driver was. NzRkYTY5MWNkZDQ5MzhmZWM0ZmY0NWEzZTNiYTk2NDA5YTYxYzkzODRiZGNk The offence of death by dangerous driving is set out in section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. YmQ3YjBlZWUwNGFkNmEyMDk0MzFlMTU0ODcwMzY3MzY4ZmIyNWQ5OTNiODFi Successful appeal against Driving Disqualification at Luton Crown Court, Case turned around at Aylesbury Crown Court, The Right ResultClient acquitted after re-trial, Speak to someone who can help within 30 minutes*. This is why its so important to always follow safe driving practices. YTc1NTdkZmI1NTNlNjZhZWRjMTM5MWY2N2MyNmIzZDQ4NzJiY2RhN2NkYzU3 3) What is the shortest term commensurate with the seriousness of the offence? OGZjNGVhNjlmY2RmNjRkNzE1OTJlZTgzNjYxNjlkZDVhNWExMjAyMjFjNGFm Where there is a larger group of determinants of seriousness and/or aggravating factors, this may justify moving the starting point to the next level. Guideline users should be aware that the Equal Treatment Bench Book covers important aspects of fair treatment and disparity of outcomes for different groups in the criminal justice system. The following guideline applies to a first-time offender aged 18 or over convicted after trial, who has not been assessed as a dangerous offender requiring a sentence under 266 and 279 (extended sentence for certain violent, sexual or terrorism offences) of the Sentencing Code. It is defined as driving a vehicle dangerously on a road or other public place which leads to someones death. The team at Caddick Davies have a wealth of experience in dealing with motoring offence cases and can provide you with the expert guidance and support that you need. At the time of the offence, Guest was under the influence of both alcohol and drugs. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This can include speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, street racing, and more. ZTljNDdjZGNlOWQxMGMxOTM0NTIwNTNhODZiNmI5NDBjZDU0ZjkwYjhlMDc2 Where more than one person is killed, that will aggravate the seriousness of the offence because of the increase in harm. We understand the law and the court processes inside out and will do everything possible to get the best result for you. Unless inherent in the offence or charged separately, failure to provide a specimen for analysis (or to allow a blood specimen taken without consent to be analysed) should be regarded as a determinant of offence seriousness. Facing a charge of causing death by dangerous driving? Level 2 This is driving that created a substantial risk of danger and is likely to be characterised by: Level 3 This is driving that created a significant risk of danger and is likely to be characterised by: The starting point and range overlap with Level 2 is to allow the breadth of discretion necessary to accommodate circumstances where there are significant aggravating factors. It is not necessary for the prosecution to prove the level of impairment attributable to the drugs or alcohol, due to the low limits that are permissible for such substances. What is death by dangerous driving? To be guilty of this offence, a person must be found to have caused the death of another person by driving a mechanically propelled vehicle dangerously in a public place. Huddersfield To help us improve GOV.UK, wed like to know more about your visit today. The sentence for death by dangerous driving can range from a community order to 14 years in prison, depending on the severity of the offence. We use some essential cookies to make this website work. The level of blame can widely vary from that of borderline dangerous driving to as little as a moment of inattention while adjusting a sat nav, for example. If you are found guilty of careless or inconsiderate driving, the penalty for the offence is: The level of blame is heightened when death is caused by driving carelessly under the influence of drink or drugs, including prescription drugs. Your lawyer will be able to advise you on the best course of action and will represent you in court. Rida Kazem, 23, was driving a Range Rover carrying . if (window.dataLayer) { window.dataLayer.push({ event: 'lead' }); } a) causing death by dangerous driving, b) causing death by careless driving c) failing to stop at the scene of an accident 6) What were the reasons stipulated given for driving bans. Although concurrent sentences are likely to be imposed (in recognition of the fact that the charges relate to one episode of offending behaviour), each individual sentence is likely to be higher because the offence is aggravated by the fact that more than one death has been caused. If the offender received a non-custodial disposal for the previous offence, a court should not necessarily move to a custodial sentence for the fresh offence. If they do not agree with you, the original sentence will stand. Today, the Court of Appeal has increased his sentence to 7 years. Four men have appeared at Lincoln Crown Court jointly accused of causing the death of a 20-year-old woman by dangerous driving. MTU1YjQzNTczZTRjMmVmZTRkMTRjZTNiNTIyN2Q1MDc1NWU4ZWU1ZWVjYzg2 You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Nicks measured and methodical approach means he thrives on even the most complex case. ZjUyODRkYWY1NjMyMTFiZTY3NGVjMGZhMjlkMmRjYmVhODE4NDlmMzkwYmE1 -----END REPORT-----. ONS mortality data is taken from information collated at the point of death registration. NWM1YzExNjA0NjdkNTVjOTcyMDRiZGUzZTA4YzhmOGY1M2QzNWFiMTZiN2U2 Death by dangerous driving is a very serious offence that can result in a fourteen-year custodial sentence according to the death by dangerous driving sentencing guidelines. Frequently the police will ask suspects to attend the police station to be questioned on a voluntary basis, with a person being released under investigation afterwards pending the conclusion of the police enquiries and gathering of witness statements. Petition: Lifetime driving ban if you are convicted of causing death by dangerous driving. NGM2NTkzZDkxZTAzMGZhZjc3NjIzMGViMWIxNmI0Nzc5ZmU5MTc2NDQ3Yzkw We Can Help. The guideline for causing death by dangerous driving provides for a gross avoidable distraction to place the offence in a higher level of seriousness. Jason Evans, 31, was in a . Taken from Sentencing Guidelines Council Guideline Overarching Principles: Seriousness. Check benefits and financial support you can get, Find out about the Energy Bills Support Scheme. causing death by careless driving when under the influence of drink or drugs; causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving; and causing death by driving: unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured drivers. Carlisle However, Evans, of Old St Mellons, Cardiff, denies causing death by dangerous driving as well as two counts of dangerous driving and is on trial at Cardiff Crown Court. There is a great deal of difference between recklessness or irresponsibility which may be due to youth and inexperience in dealing with prevailing conditions or an unexpected or unusual situation that presents itself which may be present regardless of the age of the offender. MzdmNjhhNGViOTNhOTIzYWYxNjVjMjdhMWYwNTQzNmM3ODgxZTg5MWJlY2Zh An example of dangerous driving actions might be: The sentence will be decided by the judge, taking into account factors such as the seriousness of the offence and whether there were any aggravating or mitigating circumstances. YjQ3ZTZhYThlMTc5ZDkwN2QyZWM1YjBjMDEyNzhkNzRmNjJjYWZmMWMyNzRi You have accepted additional cookies. Reading or composing text messages over a period of time will be a gross avoidable distraction and is likely to result in an offence of causing death by dangerous driving being in a higher level of seriousness. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". When a court moves from the suggested starting points and sentencing ranges identified in the guidelines, it should explain its reasons for doing so. You face: Nick Titchener, director and solicitor advocate at Lawtons, specialist London defence lawyers, discusses this complex area of the law and its implications. The court will then make a decision and if they agree with you, they will reduce the sentence. Police collision reports concluded that Mr Green was alleged to have been travelling at a speed between 68MPH and 81MPH. Where an offence involves both of the determinants of seriousness identified, particularly if accompanied by aggravating factors such as multiple deaths or injuries, or a very bad driving record, this may move an offence towards the top of the sentencing range. All the conditions mentioned on the death certificate are coded using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10). ZmQ0YTUwODk2NGI0In0= Unfortunately, we do not hold any further breakdown or information on these offences. ZGNlNjJkMzAxNGU0MTkxNzQxZjI5MjA2NWY5YTBhZTA3ZDcwNmZjNGZkYmZm ZmY0ODFjZGFmYTA5ODZmZjliNjQwZWU5Y2Q4YjlhZDY5NWEyNjRiMGNjMWY3 See "Actions of others" below for the approach where the actions of another person contributed to the collision. Youve accepted all cookies. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. However, consideration should be given to the circumstances in which the offender decided to drive or continue to drive when driving ability was impaired. -----BEGIN REPORT----- If there is sufficient supporting evidence, criminal charges will be brought by the police or the CPS. ZTJmZmZlY2I0NzhhOTEwOTBmZmU3OTBlMDNhOGM4Y2FlMTU2ODA4ODFmNTUy ZmZhMDk0MWQ5Y2UzMGY3MWU2Y2U4MzFkNDU0N2JkYzg5NGUxMzNjMGM4N2M1 It replaces the former offence of reckless driving. Magistrates: Consult your legal adviser before deciding to sentence to custody without a pre-sentence report. 2) How many people were given driving bans each year since 2011, who have had a previous driving ban up to the most recent year available. HGV driver jailed for causing death by dangerous driving. News stories, speeches, letters and notices, Reports, analysis and official statistics, Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports, Dangerous driver, Aaron Guest has sentence increased. Driving offences. Well aim to get back to you within 30 mins between 9am - 5pm. In practical terms, separate charges are likely to be brought in relation to each death caused. Please tell us if there is an issue with this guideline to do with the accuracy of the content, how easy the guideline is to understand and apply, or accessibility/broken links. Driving is considered 'dangerous' when it falls far below the standard . HGV driver jailed for causing death by dangerous driving An HGV driver has been jailed for two years today (13 January 2023) at Swindon Crown Court after he ploughed into the back of a. Identify the level or description that most nearly matches the particular facts of the offence for which sentence is being imposed. The road that Mr Green was travelling on was limited to 30MPH. A mandatory disqualification from driving any motor vehicle for a minimum of two years. Brown, from Dorchester Drive, Portadown, is accused of causing the death of 17-year-old Rachael Lowry by driving dangerously on the Coolmillish Road in Markethill on September 24, 2020. Common examples of each of the determinants are set out below and key issues are discussed below: see, Alcohol/drugs, Avoidable distractions, Vulnerable road users. Y2Y5YmQ4NzBkNTg4ZjcwNDM5NTgxZmRlMGQ2Y2YzODE0YmE2NGE2ZjY1YzFi Death by careless driving has a maximum sentence of five years. The proposals confirmed today include: increasing the maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous driving from 14 years to life increasing the maximum penalty for causing death by. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. A man who caused his friends death in a fatal collision, and then tried to frame the victim, has today had his sentence increased after the Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC MP, referred it to the Court of Appeal. In relation to the assessment of culpability, whilst there will be circumstances in which a driver could reasonably anticipate the possible death of more than one person (for example, the driver of a vehicle with passengers (whether that is a bus, taxi or private car) or a person driving badly in an area where there are many people), there will be many circumstances where the driver could not anticipate the number of people who would be killed. We do not hold data on prosecutions or court outcomes for driving offences; these are held and published by the Ministry of Justice who are contactable by e-mail:ESD@justice.gov.ukand may be able to provide you with more information. The greater obligation on those responsible for driving other people is not an element essential to the quality of the driving and so has not been included amongst the determinants of seriousness that affect the choice of sentencing range. OTcwZjFlMmVjZjE5ZWQzMGRmZDYxMmU4ZjhjMjhkMjUyNjMxOGU5NWVmMDZm The imposition of a custodial sentence is both punishment and a deterrent. We will always give you honest advice about your case and will fight tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for you. It is defined as driving a vehicle dangerously on a road or other public place which leads to someone's death. Simon Ringrose, of the CPS, said: "PC Francis admitted that his driving fell below the standard of a competent and careful driver and that this driving caused the death of Andrew Brown. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This is a specified offence for the purposes of sections 266 and 279 (extended sentence for certain violent, sexual or terrorism offences) of the Sentencing Code. The court will then apply any reduction for a guilty plea following the approach set out in the Councils guideline, Reduction in Sentence for a Guilty Plea (where first hearing is on or after 1 June 2017, or first hearing before 1 June 2017). Y2M4MDk4ZDNhYTQxNjMyYWRjMmJhM2ZlMGJhODJjYmE4ODY2MTMzNWZjMWU1 Driving offences range from 'document' offences, for example when a person fails to produce a copy of their driving licence or other documents, to cases involving the death of another person.. These include: If you have been charged with any of these offences, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. , the penalties are severe including up to 14 years in prison, two-year disqualification and an extended retest. Any avoidable distraction will make an offence more serious but the degree to which an offenders driving will be impaired will vary. OTYzYzFkZjI1ZWRkNDYwYWE0ZTczYjA1MWZmYjUyYjg2MTBmOTlkZmE2NzQ0 NDE1YTJlNzA0ODAzMjU2ZjY2MTc5YTBkNGYzZTQwZWQ4YTMyZGQwMTU3ZjNi The driver did not intentionally go out that morning, day or night to kill someone. By Astha Saxena. See Totality guideline. It amends the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 to increase the maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving to life imprisonment. The most important thing is you get in contact with us as soon as possible the earlier we can start to build your defence, the better. A man who caused his friend's death in a fatal collision, and then tried to frame the victim, has today had his sentence increased after the Solicitor General, Robert Buckland QC . But causing death by dangerous driving in the UK is an 'accident'. "Although PC Francis has now been sentenced for this . NjI2MzQyYjc3ZDg3ZmIzNGQzZWI1OTQ0YWFhN2NiM2JjMmIzNTE1OTMyZDc3 NzgwNzZlNmFlZGE5ZjE3MDcxNDU4NzZmMjlhODRjNmI2YTQ5Mjk1NjQ2Zjgx The aggravating effect of relevant previous convictions reduces with the passage of time; Where the previous offence is particularly old it will normally have little relevance for the current sentencing exercise. There is no general definition of where the custody threshold lies. The time for which a sentence is suspended should reflect the length of the sentence; up to 12 months might normally be appropriate for a suspended sentence of up to 6 months. Please note, there may be a charge for this work which would be subject to ourcharging policy. Then, what is classed as dangerous driving UK? Cyclists, motorbike riders, horse riders, pedestrians and those working in the road are vulnerable road users and a driver is expected to take extra care when driving near them. The seriousness of any offence included in these guidelines will generally be greater where more than one person is killed since it is inevitable that the degree of harm will be greater.