Simon Jones: Cruel to be kind

The custodial sentence handed down to 96-year-old William Beer for causing death by dangerous driving after colliding with a fellow pensioner should serve as a sobering reminder to everyone about the serious dangers of driving with poor visual acuity.

Understandably, the story garnered some mainstream media coverage and a scan through reader comments highlight a broad gamut of reactions. Most expressed sorrow for the victim, some showed anger towards the driver, but others questioned whether it was worth sending a 96-year-old man to jail. I say to them: absolutely.

Not sending William Beer to prison would have sent the wrong message to those who drive with poor visual acuity, often ignoring the advice of optometrists and other healthcare professionals, just as Beer did.