Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people were convicted of the offence of causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs in each year since 2009-10; and how many such people were imprisoned for the maximum length of time stipulated for that offence.

The requested statistics relating to the number of convictions can be found in the table available at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/428943/cjs-outcomes-by-offence-data-tool.xls

The maximum custodial sentence for the offence of causing serious injury by dangerous driving is 5 years’ imprisonment and for causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs is 14 years’ imprisonment.

For the offence of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, since 2012-13, three people have received prison sentences of 4 to 5 years. For the offence of causing death by careless driving under the influence of drink or drugs, since 2009-10 no one has received a custodial sentence of 14 years, but two people received an indeterminate sentence, one in 2009 and one in 2010.

We are also considering options for driving offences in the context of the wider sentencing framework, and will consult this year.