Family seeks longer sentences for dangerous driving deaths

The family of a man killed while riding a motorcycle is pushing for longer sentences for drivers found guilty of dangerous driving that causes death. Maurice Fehilly, a 54-year-old from Co Tipperary, died after being hit by a vehicle driven by Daniel Phillips in January 2020. Fehilly was out with friends, including Thomas Traynor, who later died from his injuries. At a sentencing hearing, Phillips, 35, received a prison term of five years and nine months for causing Fehilly's death. He was also sentenced for injuring Traynor and was disqualified from driving for ten years. Another man, Michael Stanners, was previously sentenced to six years and six months for endangerment and was also banned from driving. Outside the courthouse, Shane Fehilly, Maurice's son, called for an increase in the maximum sentence for dangerous driving causing death from ten to fourteen years. He expressed his belief that his father and Traynor deserved greater justice. Maurice's wife, Lorraine, remembered him as a vibrant person who loved biking with friends. She mentioned that their group, called the "sunshiners," is now down to one member. Nancy Traynor, widow of Thomas, also expressed that although they desired the maximum sentence, they felt justice had been served after a five-year wait. She honored the memory of her late husband, saying he was a devoted family man.