Drink-Drug Driver Jailed After Horror Crash That Left Two Seriously Hurt
Car Theft, Crash and Carnage
Thomas George McConnell, 28, from Water Lane, Winfrith Newburgh, was locked up for 20 months at Winchester Crown Court on Friday 18 February 2022. He pleaded guilty to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, and drink and drug driving offences. McConnell was also slapped with a five-year driving ban.
BMW Ploughs Into Pole and Tree
The nightmare began at 6.20am on Saturday 25 July 2020. Dorset Police got a call about a BMW 320d crashing on King George V Road. The car had torn off the road, smashed into a telegraph pole, then collided with a tree on the grass verge.
Two men in their 20s were rushed to hospital with serious injuries. One suffered multiple arm breaks, broken toes, liver and mouth cuts. The other was left with a fractured spine and bowel injuries. McConnell himself was treated for a dislocated shoulder and multiple cuts and bruises.
Stolen Car, Booze and Cocaine
Investigations revealed McConnell had nicked the car from West Lulworth just before the crash. Blood tests taken at hospital showed his blood alcohol level at 112 mg per 100 ml – well above the 80 mg legal limit. He also had more than 200 micrograms per litre of benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite – four times over the legal limit of 50 micrograms.
Police Hit Out at Reckless Motoring
“Thomas McConnell took the extremely reckless and dangerous decision to take a vehicle which did not belong to him and drive it when he was under the influence of drink and drugs,” said PC Julie Wooliscroft of Dorset Police’s traffic unit.
“His actions left the two passengers in his vehicle with serious injuries that required significant medical treatment and serves as a further demonstration of the grave consequences of drink and drug driving.
“We are committed to keeping Dorset’s roads safe and will take action to ensure those who pose a risk to others by driving under the influence of drink and drugs are held to account and brought before the courts.”
