Speeding Driver Crashes Into Bristol Home After Running Red Light
Lawrence Salaou, homeless and on the run, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving at Bristol Crown Court today (Thursday 20 April).
VW Golf Smash-Up in 20mph Zone
On 15 December last year, Salaou sped through a 20mph zone and blasted through a red light in his VW Golf. He slammed into a bus, which then careered off the road and crashed into a house on Highridge Road, Bishopsworth.
£300,000 Home Damage But No Serious Injuries
Miraculously, no one was seriously hurt in the crash. But the house received severe damage, with repair costs estimated at a whopping £300,000. The family living there have been left homeless and displaced for months while the property is deemed unliveable.
Police Use Blood Evidence to Catch Driver
Operation Remedy officers pieced together CCTV and forensic evidence, including blood found on the airbag, leading them straight to Salaou. His passenger was caught but later released without charge. Both fled the scene on foot, abandoning the car.
Operation Remedy Insp Steve Davey said: “Salaou’s dangerous driving could have had tragic consequences. It’s very lucky no one was seriously injured. But this crash has devastated a family and left their home wrecked.
“We hope this sentence acts as a warning to reckless drivers on our roads and justice for the bus passengers and homeowners affected.”
