Drink and Drug Driver Jailed After Crash That Killed Man’s Beloved Dog
Charles Richard Collins, 22, from Poole, was locked up for 14 months at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday, June 10, 2022. He’s also banned from driving for over four years and seven months.
Dangerous Driving Leaves Man Seriously Injured
Collins pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and criminal damage linked to the death of a dog. The charges followed a crash on Compton Avenue on Sunday, September 19, 2021.
At just after 9am, Collins’ Talbot Motorhome mounted the pavement and slammed into a man in his 60s walking his dog. The victim suffered severe, life-changing injuries including a brain bleed, head trauma, fractured neck, and broken toes.
Family Dog Killed in Impact
Tragically, the man’s eight-year-old West Highland Terrier, Ben, was killed instantly. Collins initially blew a staggering 98 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath—almost three times the legal limit of 35.
Police Slam “Reckless” Driver
“The reckless actions of Collins to get behind the wheel while under the influence led to a nasty collision, leaving a man severely injured and taking the life of his beloved pet,” said Police Constable Andy Fields.
The pedestrian spent eight days in hospital, enduring multiple operations and being unable to drive for three months—disrupting his life deeply. A second man arrested in connection with the crash was released without charge.
Officers promise to crack down hard on dangerous drivers to make sure justice is served in court.
