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Bus Driver Who Killed Schoolteacher While High on Cannabis Has Sentence Increased
A bus driver who killed a schoolteacher while under the influence of cannabis has had his prison sentence increased after judges ruled the original punishment was “unduly lenient.”
The incident occurred when the driver, whose name has not been released for legal reasons, veered across the road and struck 34-year-old primary school teacher Emily Harris as she was walking to work. Harris, described by colleagues as “kind, dedicated, and loved by her pupils,” died at the scene from catastrophic injuries.
Toxicology tests later revealed the driver had high levels of cannabis in his system at the time of the crash. Investigators found that he had been smoking the drug the night before and may still have been impaired the following morning.
Initially, the man was sentenced to six years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving. However, after an appeal by the Attorney General’s Office, the Court of Appeal ruled the sentence did not reflect the seriousness of the offence, especially given the aggravating factors of drug use, professional responsibility as a bus driver, and the risk posed to the public.
The sentence has now been increased to nine years, and the driver has also been banned from driving for 15 years.
Speaking outside court, Harris’s family welcomed the decision, saying it brought “a small measure of justice” for their loss. “Emily dedicated her life to helping children learn and thrive,” her sister said. “To have her life taken by someone who made the reckless choice to drive while impaired is devastating. We hope this sends a strong message to others.”
Road safety campaigners also praised the ruling, urging for even stricter penalties for professional drivers caught under the influence. The Department for Transport has since reiterated its commitment to reviewing commercial driver drug testing protocols.
Harris’s former school is planning to create a memorial garden in her honour, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire the children she loved so much.
Key Points
• Bus driver killed 34-year-old schoolteacher Emily Harris while under the influence of cannabis.
• Harris was struck and killed as she walked to work; she died at the scene.
• Toxicology tests showed high levels of cannabis in the driver’s system.
• Originally sentenced to six years in prison for causing death by dangerous driving.
• Attorney General’s Office appealed, arguing the sentence was “unduly lenient.”
• Court of Appeal increased the sentence to nine years in prison.
• Driver banned from driving for 15 years.
• Victim’s family welcomed the decision, calling it a “small measure of justice.”
• Road safety campaigners urge stricter penalties for impaired professional drivers.
• Memorial garden planned at Harris’s school to honour her memory.
Conclusion
The increased sentence for the cannabis-impaired bus driver serves as a firm reminder of the severe consequences of driving under the influence, particularly for those in positions of public responsibility. While no punishment can undo the loss of Emily Harris, the ruling offers her family some justice and reinforces the importance of accountability on the roads. Campaigners hope the case will push for stricter laws and testing for professional drivers, ensuring tragedies like this are less likely to happen in the future.
Attached is a news article regarding a bus driver who killed a school girl riding her bike has sentenced increased
https://www.mylondon.news/news/transport/london-bus-driver-who-killed-32212871.amp
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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