A doped-up driver who caused a high-speed crash in which his girlfriend and another woman were badly hurt has been jailed for 18 months. John Donnelly lost control of his car which hit the wall of an off-licence in Annsfield Road, Hamilton. Tests showed he had more than double the permitted amount of cannabis in his system.
Details of the Incident
Donnelly, 32, of Liddesdale Road, Milton, Glasgow, admitted causing serious injury by driving dangerously while under the influence of drugs on January 27, 2024. Hamilton Sheriff Court heard that a 19-year-old female passenger suffered a broken bone in her spine, four fractured ribs, a fractured sternum, and internal bleeding. She required surgery and was in hospital for 17 days. Donnelly's then girlfriend, who was also 19, had five broken ribs. Donnelly needed 40 stitches in a facial wound and also suffered leg injuries. He still uses crutches.
Court Proceedings
Lewis Devoy, prosecuting, said the crash happened in a built-up area around 6pm as Donnelly was driving the women to a concert in Glasgow. He told the court: “The MG SUV vehicle was seen to accelerate harshly. The accused failed to keep the vehicle under control and drove off the road at excessive speed. It went across the pavement and a square of grass before hitting the wall of an off-licence head-on.” The woman with four fractured ribs was trapped in the back of the car and had to be cut free by firefighters.
Defence and Sentencing
Defence lawyer Scott Jones said Donnelly has no memory of the crash, adding: “He can give no explanation or excuse but accepts full responsibility for the consequences of his driving. His new partner is expecting their child soon and he is the full-time carer for his parents who have health issues.” The court heard Donnelly was jailed for dangerous driving in a previous case at Liverpool Crown Court. Sheriff Kevin McCallum KC told him: “Such is the culpability of your conduct and the harm caused, I’m satisfied the custodial threshold has again been passed. The matter is aggravated by you being under the influence of controlled drugs and being on bail at the time.” Donnelly was banned from driving for 41 months and ordered to resit his test.
