There is quite a qdifference in culpability, DT between this offence and the one you describe.
Custody certainly is an option for causing death by careless driving, Eddie. The maximum sentence is five years.
Looking at the sentencing guidelines the seriousness is split into three ranges:
Category 1. Careless or inconsiderate driving falling not far short of dangerous driving (Starting Point: 15 months custody; Sentencing range: 36 weeks - 3 years custody)
Category 2. Other cases of careless or inconsiderate driving
(Starting Point: 36 weeks custody; Sentencing range: Community order (HIGH) - 2 years custody)
Category 3. Careless or inconsiderate driving arising from momentary inattention with no aggravating factors. (Starting Point: Community order (MEDIUM); Sentencing range: Community order (LOW) - Community order (HIGH))
In terms of careless driving, accidentally jumping a red light (because of inattention or lapse of concentration) would not be at the high end of seriousness and certainly not bordering on Dangerous Driving, so that rules Category one out. However the judge (or Sheriff, as they’re known north of the Border) said this:
"Whilst I accept that your speed was not a contributing factor, I am not prepared to ignore it in determining whether your inattention was momentary. Your careless driving arose from inattention which was more than momentary."
So this seems to set the offence clearly in the middle category where the starting point is 9 month’s custody. There are some aggravating features to this offence, not least that it was committed in a large lorry and there were serious injuries to others apart from the fatality. But the principle feature when considering Careless/Dangerous driving is the nature of the driving rather than the results. Mr Wilson pleaded guilty, which gives him considerable credit when sentencing.
All in all I consider the penalty (which is a high level community order) to be a tad, but outrageously, on the lenient side. Knowing what we know (but that may not be all there is to know) it is arguable that this offence might attract a suspended prison sentence.