A bill increasing maximum sentences for drivers causing death or serious injury has advanced in the Northern Ireland Assembly. Justice Minister Naomi Long introduced the Sentencing Bill, which raises the penalty from 14 years to 20 years for dangerous driving or careless driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Dolan family from Killyclogher in Tyrone welcomed the legislation. They have campaigned for over ten years for stronger penalties following the 2014 death of their son Enda Dolan.

Enda Dolan, aged 18, died after David Lee Stewart struck him with a van. Stewart drove 800 yards with the teenager on the roof of the vehicle.

Tests showed Stewart had consumed 18 drinks and had cocaine in his system. A court sentenced him to seven years, with half served in prison. An appeal raised the term to nine years.

Peter Dolan, Enda's father, expressed hope that the bill, which had its first reading at Stormont this week, will become law before the current Assembly mandate ends.

Peter Dolan stated the changes aim to deter drivers who speed, use drugs or alcohol, or operate phones and cause fatalities. He said the goal is to cut road deaths.