‘Our campaign for Enda has been successful’

THE family of a young Killyclogher man tragically killed six years ago have welcomed a proposal to increase prison sentences for those convicted of causing death by dangerous driving from 14 to 20 years.

Justice Minister, Naomi Long, is recommending the increase in the sentence. It follows a long campaign by the family of Enda Dolan, who was killed in Belfast in 2014. His killer was sentenced to three and a half years.

Enda’s father, Peter, said their outrage at the current legal system sparked the campaign to change the law.

“We want to ensure that families in the future do not experience the horror that we faced in that courtroom in 2016,” he said.

“After countless campaigns, meetings in Stormont, interviews and contact with Ministers and MLAs, we are proud to say that five years later our journey is very close to the end.

“Today we received news that our campaign has been successful and the Justice Minister, Noami Long, is recommending that the sentence for causing death by dangerous driving will be increased from 14 years to 20 years.

“Although this change will not impact our case, bring Enda back or change the horrific experiences we have faced, we hope that this chamnge will help families in the future in a small way.

“After many difficult years, court appearances and speeches, we would like to thank everyone who has supported our campaign for justice.”

The decision has also been welcomed by West Tyrone MLA, Daniel McCrossan, who said he hoped it would help others going through the same loss as that of the Dolan family.

“This has been a long road for Peter and Niamh Dolan but they’ve done Emda proud and if even one person thinks twice about getting behind the wheel of a car while under the influence, it will be a result of their tireless campaign.

“We have been working hard on this for a number of years and I hope that those who lose loved ones in these unimaginably difficult circumstances see justice.”