Drunk Driver Stumbles in Pub Garden Before Crash Injuring Two People
Thames Valley Police have released shocking footage of a heavily intoxicated driver stumbling around a pub garden and falling into a pot plant before causing a serious vehicle crash that injured two individuals. The incident, which occurred on 20 April last year, highlights the severe dangers of drink-driving and has led to significant legal consequences for the offender.
Intoxicated Behavior Captured on Camera
Lawson Wright, 56, of Headington in Oxfordshire, is seen in the video walking unsteadily into a local pub garden after being turned away from the premises. The footage clearly shows him losing his balance and tumbling into objects, including a large potted tree, demonstrating his extreme level of intoxication. This reckless behavior set the stage for a far more dangerous sequence of events that followed shortly after.
Subsequent Crash and Emergency Response
Despite his visibly impaired state, Wright proceeded to get into his Ford Transit van and attempted to drive while heavily intoxicated. He then collided with another vehicle on the A44 in Yarnton, causing substantial damage to both cars. Thankfully, the driver and passenger of the other vehicle sustained only minor injuries, but the scene required a large emergency response team to manage the aftermath.
Body-cam footage from officers at the crash site reveals the extensive wreckage and the coordinated efforts of emergency services to secure the area and assist those involved. The visual evidence underscores the potential for catastrophic outcomes when individuals choose to drive under the influence of alcohol.
Legal Consequences and Court Sentencing
At Oxford Crown Court on Wednesday, 11 February, Wright faced justice for his actions. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including driving without insurance, dangerous driving, possession of a class C controlled drug (Diazepam), and failure to provide a specimen for analysis. As a result, he was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 20 months, and disqualified from driving for five years.
In addition to the driving ban, Wright must complete an extended re-test and has been ordered to pay £2,000 in compensation to the victims. He was also given a nine-month curfew, requiring him to stay at his home address between 7pm and 5am every day. These penalties aim to hold him accountable and prevent future incidents.
Police Warning on Drink-Driving
A statement from Thames Valley Police, released alongside the video, emphasized the critical message against drink-driving. "We say it time and time again: please do not drink and drive," the statement read. "It’s not just your life you put at risk, it's everyone else’s too." This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal, financial, and personal repercussions that can arise from such irresponsible behavior.
The release of the footage is part of a broader effort by law enforcement to educate the public and deter similar offenses, promoting road safety and community well-being through real-world examples of the consequences of impaired driving.
