Lenient sentence for young driver sends the wrong signal
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An under-aged girl was found guilty of reckless driving that killed nine people and caused extensive damage to property, even though she was clearly driving at over the legal limits at the time of the accident. Yet, she was given only a suspended sentence
Taking of life should be the worst crime possible, with due modifications for the age of the perpetrator and lack of intent to kill, yet here the killer was given only a light slap on the wrist. I can no more defend this verdict than I can defend the renewal of the Emergency Decree by both Thaksin & co, and by Abhisit, for, as the UN Special Rapporteur noted, it could be used to justify murder – for it pre-legalises any act done by the authorities under order. Such a decree should have been tested in court and found unconstitutional.
I suggest that our courts of law should be courts of justice, with the entire system sending a clear, consistent message that encourages accountability and respect for the equal rights of others. I fail to see how that goal is being achieved now.
Best,
Burin Kantabutra
