‘The fella who killed Martin got three years, but we have been given the life sentence’: Derry man’s family back tougher sentences for killer drivers

The family of a young Derry athlete killed by a speeding and drunken driver are supporting a proposal which would see tougher sentences handed down for such crimes.

Martin Gallagher (pictured) was killed on 1 November 2009 on the Racecourse Road in the city.

The driver, Jonathan Francis McGonagle, then sped away from the scene.

Mr Gallagher, a well-known athlete in the city, died instantly as a result of head injuries.

McGonagle was sentenced to three years imprisonment at Derry Crown Court in November 2010 and was disqualified from driving for 10 years.

The Ministry of Justice has announced that drivers who kill could face life imprisonment under a proposed change to existing laws.

Under the new legislation, life sentences will be handed down for drivers causing death by dangerous driving, with life sentences also proposed for careless drivers who kill whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.

In addition, the new laws would also see three year jail terms for careless drivers causing serious injury.

A consultation has now been launched by the government on whether the current maximum penalties available to the courts should be increased.

The new legislation will only apply in England and Wales, and it would be up to the Northern Ireland Assembly to introduce the new powers to the courts here.

Martin Gallagher’s father, also called Martin, said he hoped politicians in the North would now consider introducing similar laws here.

“We have been asking for the introduction of tougher laws now for years, and it’s good to see that the government are now taking notice of the families,” he said.

“Martin was so badly injured, we couldn’t even open his coffin.

“It was seven years ago, but you still think Martin is going to walk through the door, it’s tough.”

“The fella who killed Martin got three years, but we have been given the life sentence.

He added; “I would hope that our own politicians here would now look at introducing this new legislation here, because it would give us some closure.”