Drunk Driver Jailed for 14 Years After Deadly Crash in Dorset Village
Shane Bovey, 41, from Yeovil, was slammed with a 14-year prison sentence at Bournemouth Crown Court on Tuesday 2 May 2023. He admitted causing death by dangerous driving, plus two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and aggravated vehicle theft.
Bovey was also hit with a 10-year driving ban, which will kick in after he leaves prison.
Stolen Mercedes Tears Through Village at Double Speed Limit
The horror began around 7.30pm on Wednesday 8 February when Bovey nicked a Mercedes CLK 320 in Lyme Regis before tearing off towards the Dorset village of Mosterton.
At just before 8.15pm, Nicole Bowden, 48, her 24-year-old daughter Emily Fox-Williams, and an 11-month-old baby in a pushchair were walking along the B3066 Main Road – a 30mph zone with no sidewalks.
As Bovey sped into a left-hand bend at nearly 60mph, he lost control and smashed into the trio.
Tragic Aftermath: One Dead, Two Seriously Injured
All three victims were airlifted to Southmead Hospital in Bristol. Nicole Bowden sadly passed away the next day. Emily remains seriously injured with life-changing wounds.
The baby suffered serious injuries but was released from hospital.
Drunken Rampage After Pub Visit Ends in Disaster
Police found Bovey had been drinking in a Lyme Regis pub from early afternoon and became agitated at 7.30pm when getting a lift. He grabbed the driver’s keys and took off in the car.
Eyewitnesses say he was blazing through Mosterton at twice the speed limit before the crash. The vehicle caught fire after colliding with the pedestrians, while bystanders rushed to help the victims.
Drunk and aggressive, Bovey tried to flee but was found hiding in a back garden. He was arrested and treated for a fractured sternum.
Sergeant Jay Griffin of the traffic unit said: “Shane Bovey’s reckless actions on the night of 8 February caused devastating consequences – one death and two serious injuries. Driving drunk and at excessive speed, he put lives at risk.”
“Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families. This tragic case sends a clear warning about the horrific outcomes of driving under the influence of drink and drugs.
“We will keep pursuing offenders relentlessly to protect road users and ensure they face justice.”
