A 73-year-old man from Bath was banned from driving for 27 months after causing a dangerous crash while over the legal alcohol limit. Garrick Jones of Holburne Park, Bathwick, mounted a pavement, collided with multiple vehicles, and smashed into a traffic light pole in Trowbridge.
The incident occurred around 5:20 pm on March 31, when Jones lost control of his car on Frome Road. Dramatic footage released by Wiltshire Police shows him driving onto the pavement just meters away from a woman pushing a pram and a child walking behind her. His car then collided with several parked vehicles before hitting the traffic light.
Jones was arrested after failing a roadside breath test. At custody, his breathalyzer reading confirmed he was significantly above the drink-driving limit. He pleaded guilty to the offence in court on April 1 and faced sentencing on May 11.
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Along with the 27-month driving ban, Jones was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and attend 20 rehabilitation days. He must also pay a £114 victim surcharge and £85 in costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.
PC Craig Beales from the Roads Policing Unit emphasized the gravity of the offence: “This incident highlights the extreme danger and recklessness of drink driving. It was only by sheer luck that no serious injuries occurred when Jones mounted the pavement and caused this collision. We will continue to take strong action against offenders and urge the public to report anyone suspected of driving under the influence.”