Tougher sentences for so-called joyriders could result from review

Mr Justice Coghlin said on Tuesday that he was refusing bail to a west Belfast man, even though his time in custody may be longer than any sentence he might eventually receive.

Joseph Copeland, from Monagh Road, is accused of taking a car, driving dangerously and driving while disqualified.

This came as a consultation document was introduced which could see tougher sentences for so-called joyriders.

I believe that those involved in this corrosive and destructive crime should pay a heavy price and this document contains a framework to allow this to happen Des Browne Criminal justice minister

Criminal justice minister Des Browne announced the review of road traffic penalties on Tuesday.

Aggravated vehicle taking is already an offence in England and Wales.

The current maximum sentence which can be imposed on those found guilty of causing death by reckless driving in Northern Ireland is 10 years.

Several major reforms of the current law are proposed in the document, which also looked at possible legislation to improve road safety.

The consultation period will run for 12 weeks.

The minister said the review was aimed at reducing the number of deaths on Northern Ireland roads and raising the level of road safety awareness.

"The proposals within the consultation document address a wide range of important issues, from the use of mobile phones whilst driving to the modernisation of the points system.

"It also includes proposals to make tough new penalties available to judges in sentencing so-called joyriders and sends a clear message that the government regards this type of abhorrent behaviour as utterly unacceptable.

Monument

"I believe that those involved in this corrosive and destructive crime should pay a heavy price and this document contains a framework to allow this to happen," he said.

SDLP MLA Patricia Lewsley welcomed the announcement.

"This is another part of the jigsaw in tackling this scourge in our society.

"Hopefully these stronger new measures will be more effective in deterring young people in becoming involved in car crime," she said.

Last September, a memorial to victims of car crime was unveiled in west Belfast amid calls for tougher sentencing for so-called joyriders.

The granite monument at Teeling roundabout in Poleglass is a tribute to the people who lost their lives through car crime in the past 30 years.

It was unveiled by Margaret Muir whose brother, Patrick Hanna, was killed after being struck by a stolen car three years ago.