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Yeovil drug driver handed driving ban after seriously injuring two children in Sherborne crash

A YEOVIL man has been handed a three-year driving ban after he crashed into a car in Sherborne, injuring two children.

The 53-year-old was driving a cement mixer on the A30 in the direction of Sherborne at around 12.30pm on July 24, 2023 when he drove through a red light, causing him to crash into the side of a blue Audi A5 that was making a right-hand turn into Sheeplands Lane.

The rear passengers of the Audi, a ten-year-old and an 11-year-old, were seriously injured in the crash and sustained injuries including a fractured pelvis, fractured clavicle, fractured ribs, lung injuries and a lacerated liver.

The defendant failed a roadside drugs wipe and a subsequent toxicology report revealed his blood contained over six and a half times the legal limit of benzoylecgonine, the main metabolite of the drug cocaine.

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PC James Hazell, of the roads policing team at Dorset Police, said: “The driver in this case used drugs over the weekend before the collision, which led to him still being over the limit on a Monday when driving and operating a heavy goods vehicle.

“The careless actions of the defendant that saw him go through a red light led to serious consequences for two innocent children.

“The children both received treatment in hospital and faced a long period of recovery during the school summer holidays when they should have been able to freely enjoy themselves.

“I hope this case is a reminder to anyone thinking of getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence that it can have a serious impact on other innocent road users.

“Anyone thinking of driving and operating a heavy goods vehicle must do so while taking extra care and consideration for those around them.”

The defendant was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court yesterday (January 14) after admitting offences of causing serious injury by careless driving and driving while over the specified drug limit.

He received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, as well as a three-year disqualification from driving.

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4 Comments

  1. Jack Morrison Reply

    If that was alcohol instead of cocaine he’d be banged up…and 3 year ban? I saw the aftermath, they’re lucky nobody died.

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