In reply to Phil79:
> ...cyclist are generally a maligned 'out group' and as such are held in contempt by most jury's and probable a few judges. It makes me so f**king angry, and feel sick for the poor f**kers involved (the cyclists that is, the motorist responsible can go f**k themselves). sorry for the rant, but there you are.
There was a case a couple of years ago, where a cyclist caused the death of a passenger on a bus and ended up with a fine of £250. Rare event no doubt, but I don't think that it is a specific problem with the sentencing of motorists.
As others have said, the outcome of the crime influences sentences, but the crime itself is more important. Unfortunately, minor errors have the potential for very serious outcomes when motor vehicles are involved.