Opinion

Courts must send firm message to killer drivers

Few could fail to be moved by the emotional and heartbreaking statement issued by the family of Enda Dolan, a talented student with immense promise whose life was taken by a shockingly reckless and criminal act.

Peter and Niamh Dolan had every reason to be proud of their son. He was a gifted musician and artist, a keen runner who represented his school and Omagh Harriers, and he was a role model for younger boys at Omagh CBS where he was appointed deputy head prefect.

After years of study and hard work, the 18-year-old had just embarked on an architecture degree at Queen's University and was full of excitement about this new phase in his life.

However, the lives of this loving family were shattered in an instant when Enda was hit by a van as he walked along the Malone Road towards Queen's Elms in the early hours of October 15, 2014.

The van was driven by David Lee Stewart (31) of Grays Park Avenue, Belfast. In the passenger seat was William Ross Casement (21) from Belvoir Drive in the city.

This was not a road traffic collision caused by a moment's inattention or carelessness, which would be bad enough. Rather, this was a wilful act carried out by a man who had drunk at least six pints and four Jagerbombs and who had taken drugs including cocaine. A man who was staggering before getting behind the wheel and setting off on his lethal journey.

After striking Enda he drove for 800 metres with the student on his van roof. When he eventually stopped, Casement got out but instead of helping the critically injured teenager, got back into the van and encouraged Stewart to drive on.

Even after crashing into a lamppost Stewart showed no remorse, lying about his alcohol consumption and refusing to give a sample.

By any standards this was a horrendous case with a number of aggravating factors.

The family rightly looked to the justice system to deal appropriately with the man responsible for taking the life of a beloved son and brother.

However, they feel profoundly let down, not just by the sentence passed down by Belfast Crown Court but also by the way they have been treated by the legal system.

It is clearly a concern that a bereaved family feel they have received inadequate support or sympathy and the judicial authorities need to listen to their experience.

Many people will also share Mr and Mrs Dolan's dismay at the jail term handed down to Stewart in one of the worst cases to come before the courts in recent times.

Those who take a life after drinking and driving need to know they face a long period in prison.