Speeding Drunk Driver Kills Two Pensioners After Pub Binge
A reckless driver slammed into a car carrying two pensioners, killing them instantly after drinking at least five pints of Stella Artois at a pub. Ryan Dowling, 29, was behind the wheel when tragedy struck on the A27 near Chichester.
Crash Details: Fatal Impact on A27
The collision happened around 10:10pm on 27 February 2020. Dowling was driving a white Ford Focus eastbound at breakneck speed when he smashed into a purple Renault Zoe travelling ahead. The Renault was driven within the speed limit and fully visible.
- Two passengers, Gillian Casey, 75, and Elizabeth “Anne” Wales, 80, died at the scene.
- A third passenger was seriously injured.
- A fourth passenger and the Renault driver suffered minor injuries.
- Dowling was also seriously hurt and taken to hospital.
Blood Alcohol and Speed Revealed
Tests showed Dowling had 97mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood—over the legal UK limit of 80mg—taken more than four hours after the crash. Witnesses said he was speeding and overtaking dangerously, far exceeding the 70mph speed limit. Despite this, Dowling refused to answer police questions, simply saying “no comment.”
He was tracked back to The Heron pub in Petersfield, where he drank at least five pints before the smash.
Justice Served: Dowling Jailed for Dangerous Driving
Dowling faced charges of causing death by dangerous driving (two counts) and causing serious injury. At Portsmouth Crown Court, he pleaded guilty ahead of sentencing on 2 July.
He was handed eight-and-a-half years behind bars, with half to be served, and received a six-and-a-half-year driving ban.
Judge Mousley QC blasted Dowling’s “grossly impaired” driving and “prolonged and persistent dangerous driving” that caused the crash. “Two people lost their lives. Others could have done,” the judge said.
“Your criminal actions have had far-reaching consequences for their families and friends. Anne and Gillian were devoted wives and loved by their children and grandchildren.”
Families Speak Out: Calls for Tougher Sentences
The Casey Family said:
“Gill was a wonderful teacher and tireless volunteer. That such a gentle soul was lost to such senseless recklessness is heartbreaking. The sentence feels inadequate for Dowling’s selfish actions.”
“We support proposals to empower judges to impose life sentences for death by dangerous driving and urge the government to act without delay.”
The Wales Family added:
“Anne was generous and loving, devoted to her community and charities. We are grateful for justice but haunted by the lack of apology from Dowling.”
Police Warning: Drink Driving Destroys Lives
Detective Constable Greg Brown said Dowling’s “selfish and irresponsible” choices robbed two families of loved ones and left a third seriously injured. He stressed the dangers of drink-driving: “Alcohol dulls perception, slows reaction times, and high speeds reduce chances of avoiding crashes.”
“Our message is clear: drink OR drive, never both.”
