A reckless and heavily intoxicated driver who stumbled out of a pub garden before crashing his van and injuring two people has been jailed for 18 months. Lawson Wright, 56, was turned away from the pub in Headington, Oxfordshire, and attempted to drive his Ford Transit van while severely under the influence on Saturday, April 20, 2024.
Shocking CCTV Footage Captures Intoxicated Stagger
CCTV footage from the incident shows Wright swaying dangerously as he staggered across the local pub to his vehicle, even falling into a pot plant in his disoriented state. This clear visual evidence highlighted his extreme level of intoxication prior to getting behind the wheel.
Six-Mile Drive Ends in Violent Collision
Wright proceeded to drive approximately six miles before colliding with another vehicle on the A44 in Yarnton, Oxfordshire. The impact left the driver and passenger of the other vehicle with minor injuries, though the crash scene was severe.
Police body-cam footage of the aftermath showed the damaged van pushed sideways across the road, while the other vehicle was forced completely off the tarmac and into nearby trees. Emergency services can be seen attending to the victims as they sat on the grass beside their wrecked car.
Court Hearing Reveals Serious Charges and Injuries
Wright, from Headington, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Wednesday, February 11. 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.
The court heard that Wright himself suffered serious injuries from the crash, requiring him to be placed in an induced coma during his recovery. Despite this, Judge Michael Roques delivered a stern rebuke.
Judge's Stern Warning on Drink Driving Dangers
Judge Roques stated: 'It's hard to conceive of a more serious drink driving offence. The level of risk you posed to other road users was high. It's a matter of luck I'm not dealing with you for causing death by dangerous drinking. You were a huge risk to members of the public that day. You have escaped immediate custody by the skin of your teeth today.'
Additional Penalties and Curfew Imposed
In addition to the 18-month prison sentence, suspended for 20 months, Wright has been banned from driving for five years. He must complete an extended re-test before regaining his licence and pay £2,000 in compensation to the victims.
The defendant must also abide by a nine-month curfew, requiring him to stay at his home address between 7pm and 5am every day. This strict condition aims to monitor his behaviour during the suspension period.
Police Reinforce Road Safety Message
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police emphasised the broader lesson: 'We say it time and time again, please do not drive and drive. It is not your life you put at risk, it is everyone else's too.' This case serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of drink driving.
