Bill to increase hit-and-run punishments

The grief-stricken mother of a trainee barrister who was killed by a hit-and-run driver has welcomed the Government proposals to toughen up on penalties for drivers who flee the scene of an accident.

Lucia O’Farrell’s cyclist son Shane, 23, was killed by a hit-and-run driver who escaped a jail term despite having 42 previous convictions and driving without valid insurance or tax.

“We very much welcome the decision to increase the penalties and I hope it will give protection to other families, protection my son Shane didn’t receive from the State,” said Ms O’Farrell.