Dramatic dashcam footage has exposed the horrifying moment a intoxicated pensioner caused sheer panic on a British high street, veering his black Mercedes directly into the path of oncoming traffic.
The clip, which served as damning evidence in court, shows 72-year-old David Sowerby's vehicle lurching dangerously across the central white line, forcing other drivers to take immediate evasive action to avoid a catastrophic head-on collision. The incident, which unfolded in broad daylight, sent shockwaves through the quiet town.
A Litre of Wine Before Lunch
Bradford Magistrates' Court heard how Sowerby had consumed an astonishing one litre of wine prior to getting behind the wheel. He was stopped by alert police officers on the A650 in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, where he subsequently failed a roadside breathalyser test.
His reading revealed a staggering 91 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath—more than two-and-a-half times the legal limit of 35 microgrammes.
Grim Footage Seals His Fate
The damning video evidence, presented to the court, left little room for doubt. It captured the full extent of his dangerous driving, showcasing a vehicle completely out of control and posing a grave threat to public safety.
Presiding over the case, the magistrates condemned his actions as "extremely serious," highlighting the "great danger" he posed to other innocent road users and the public at large.
The Sentence
David Sowerby, of Hawthorne Avenue in Wakefield, pleaded guilty to charges of drink driving and dangerous driving. His sentence was swift and severe:
- 12-Month Community Order: Includes 20 days of rehabilitation activity.
- Driving Ban: Prohibited from driving for three years.
- Financial Penalties: Ordered to pay £85 in costs and a £114 surcharge.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drink driving, regardless of the driver's age or the time of day.
