The first drunk driver to be convicted of murder was jailed for life in Belfast yesterday and told he must serve at least 10 years before being considered for parole.
Charles Malachy Pollock (27) was intoxicated by drink and drugs when he crashed into reserve policeman Norman Thompson in August 2000.
Jailing Pollock, Crown Court judge Mr Justice Coghlin warned: "Those who are so consumed with self-gratification and so lacking in any sense of social responsibility that they are prepared to drive motor vehicles in a dangerous manner while acting under the influence of drink or drugs or, as in your case, a disastrous combination of both, represent a terrible threat to the community and it must be made clear, if necessary by severe sentencing, that such conduct simply will not be tolerated."
Pollock, who admitted the manslaughter of the father of three and causing his death by dangerous driving, was convicted of his murder in September following a retrial.
The reserve constable was knocked down by Pollock in west Belfast in the early hours of August 19th, 2000.