What force do you imagine lies behind any suggestion David?
What picture forms in the mind on hearing that 'X' has been sentenced to 9 years gaol?
I have had occasion here to look at the reports from your local Police, which often include mention of sentence, I have no wish to revisit the variety of offences committed locally that have merited imprisonment, but I cannot recall any of them - as serious as some of them were - that mentioned a sentence of 9 years or more.
Dear Jan, if I give that impression, what impression should I take of those who do not think as I do?
There is this...
Death by dangerous driving
"Nature of offence: Level 1
The most serious offences encompassing driving that involved a deliberate decision to ignore (or a flagrant disregard for) the rules of the road and an apparent disregard for the great danger being caused to others
Starting point: 8 years custody
Sentencing range: 7-14 years custody
Nature of offence: Level 2
Driving that created a substantial risk of danger
Starting point: 5 years custody
Sentencing range: 4-7 years custody
Nature of offence: Level 3
Driving that created a significant risk of danger
[where the driving is markedly less culpable than for this level, reference should be made to the starting point and range for the most serious level of causing death by careless driving]
Starting point: 3 years custody
Sentencing range: 2-5 years custody"
http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/s_to_u/sentencing_manual/death_by_dangerous_driving/