Drunk driver jailed after fiery firefighter trapped and shattered just weeks from retirement
Horror Crash on Gornal Street
Jill Carvell, 61, slammed her Dacia Duster into an off-duty firefighter as she reversed at speed down Louise Street, Gornal. The man, 55, was crushed between Carvell’s car and a parked vehicle.
Firefighter’s Career Ended
The victim, weeks away from retirement, suffered double leg breaks in the brutal collision on July 4 last year. Although he’s recovering, the injuries forced him out of the fire service. A long road to recovery lies ahead.
Alcohol-Fuelled Crash
Carvell was arrested at the scene. A breath test revealed her blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit—100 microgrammes instead of the allowed 35.
During police questioning, she admitted to drunk and dangerous driving.
Judge Slams ‘Danger to Public’
On January 8, wolverhampton-crown-court/" title="Wolverhampton Crown Court" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="968">Wolverhampton Crown Court sentenced Carvell to 18 months in jail. She was also banned from driving for four years and nine months.
Judge Berlin said prison was necessary to protect the public from her reckless behaviour.
Sergeant’s Warning
“This tragic collision shows again the deadly dangers of drunk driving,” said Sergeant Mark Crozier of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit. “The firefighter lost his career and we send him our best wishes as he fights to recover.”
