Drink Driver Receives 11-Year Sentence for Fatal Crash
A drink driver who abandoned a dying woman in an overturned vehicle after speeding at more than double the legal limit has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. Elliot Bristow, 36, left Olivia Lewis, 24, trapped inside his car following a collision near Newport in the early hours of August 7, 2024.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Bristow, a father of five, had consumed cannabis and vodka before driving his Skoda Kamiq at speeds estimated between 65 and 66 mph on a 30 mph road. He lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a wall and flipping the car onto its side between Magor and Newport. Prosecutors revealed that Bristow had been swerving between lanes prior to the crash, ignoring warnings from a passenger to slow down.
After the collision, Bristow fled the scene and was later discovered hiding in a nearby bush by police officers assisted by a dog handler. When arrested, he initially denied being the driver, claiming, "I wasn't even driving." However, he later pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at Cardiff Crown Court.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
On Thursday, Judge Paul Hobson sentenced Bristow to 11 years and three months imprisonment, with a requirement to serve at least two-thirds of the term behind bars. The judge condemned Bristow's actions, stating, "It was you and you alone who chose to drink and take drugs while driving poorly. In the immediate aftermath of this collision and as one of your passengers was dying, your priority was yourself."
Bristow received an additional driving ban of 14 years and six months and must pass an extended test before regaining his licence. Roadside tests conducted after the crash showed he was under the legal alcohol limit but more than double the permitted threshold for cannabis consumption.
Victim Impact and Family Statements
Olivia Lewis was described by her family as a "beautiful" and "kind" young woman who was "the life and soul of any party." In a heartfelt victim statement, her mother Kelly expressed profound grief, saying, "Olivia wasn't the only one who died that night, I did too. The only difference is that I am still breathing."
The family's statement continued: "We have lost our little angel, and we have a hole in our heart that can never be filled. Olivia was our beautiful daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, aunty, and friend. She was kind, caring and funny, and was our little rock when we needed her."
Additional Factors in the Case
The court heard that Bristow had failed to disclose a previous diagnosis of epilepsy to the DVLA, leading to the revocation of his driving licence following the crash. Defence barrister David Maunder stated that Bristow was "ashamed at his conduct" and had no recollection of the moments immediately before or after the collision.
PC Michelle Greatrex, the officer in charge of the case, emphasized the broader implications: "This case should serve as a reminder to everyone who gets behind the wheel – your responsibility isn't just to ensure your own safety, but the safety of everyone around you. Bristow's manner of driving fell far below that of a careful and competent driver."
The prosecutor, Emma Harries, detailed how Bristow had been driving around South Wales earlier that night, smoking two cannabis joints and drinking vodka with lemonade. The collision occurred shortly after midnight, with no other vehicles involved in the incident.
