Jail is what it takes to prevent another tragedy

May 30 2008

EWAN Macpherson will have to live his life with the knowledge that his actions killed five people.

Some people believe this is punishment enough.

After all, this is a well-liked lad, from a good family, who was neither drunk nor high when the tragedy happened.

Just bad luck, if you listen to some. There but for the grace of god, say others.

Tanya’s mum even took the unusual step of writing to the judge, apparently asking for Ewan to be spared a jail sentence.

His counsel, Peter Gray, QC, said: “This is a remarkable document, which shows an extraordinary degree of compassion and is testament to her own obvious qualities as an individual.”

There was no such appeal from Donna’s family or the one remaining member of the Melville family.

But what if the judge had slapped Ewan’s wrist with a fine and a ban? What kind of message would it have sent to his peers?

As it is, he has been sentenced to just 40 months – not even a year apiece for every life lost. And time off for good behaviour could mean that he’ll actually serve just over a year.

I live at the bottom of the road where the accident happened. My family and I drive past the flowers at the side of the road every day.

I for one am glad that young Ewan is off the road for the next ten years.

And if jailing him is what it takes to hammer home the road safety message to his peer group then so be it.