Take Raymond Laing for example. Regarded as Hawke's Bay's worst recidivist, he has been sentenced to three years in prison for his 26th drink-driving offence. Yes, you heard me right, he was caught drink-driving 26 times. The court has also disqualified himindefinitely from driving.
Clearly, he has a major drinking problem, and yes, I probably should feel some sympathy for him. But, this is not someone who has fallen off the wagon 26 times, this is someone who got behind a steering wheel 26 times when he was drunk out of his mind. Not only that, but he was also caught driving while disqualified 31 times. Sorry, but any sympathy for him disappeared the moment he climbed into his vehicle.
We put a big photograph of Laing on the front page of Saturday's paper because we felt it was important for people to know who he is. He is lucky he did not kill anyone.
One thing is for sure, he would have got a lot longer inside if he had caused a fatal accident. It does make you think that the laws should be changed to allow people like him to be punished even more.
Breaking the law once or twice is bad enough, but clearly Laing felt he could just keep doing what he was doing, without a thought for the damage he could have caused.
In the same front page package we also had the tale of 18-year-old Sven Vincent Muggeridge, who reached speeds of 185km/h while fleeing police. For this Muggeridge was fined $1000 for reckless driving and disqualified for six months. For failing to stop, he was fined $800 and disqualified for a further three months. Community magistrate Sheridan Cooper called him a "twerp" when she sentenced him.
Frankly, I could think of a few stronger names to call him.
In both cases an innocent little family could have been killed by their reckless actions. Muggeridge may think he has beaten the system, but if he slips up, this paper will be calling for the book to be thrown at him.
As for Laing, hopefully he gets treatment in prison for his alcohol addiction and has learnt a few life lessons by the time he gets out.
One thing is for sure, we do not need people like Muggeridge and Laing on our roads.
