Drink-Driver Jailed for Mowing Down Elderly Couple in Weston-super-Mare
Two Pedestrians Seriously Injured on Pavement
Tyron Griffiths, 32, has been locked up after crashing his car into a married couple standing on the pavement in Weston-super-Mare. The horrific smash happened just after 2am on Friday, 13 December 2019, as Griffiths lost control on Hildesheim Bridge driving a Vauxhall Corsa. The couple, who had just returned from a coach trip with their son, suffered serious and potentially life-threatening head injuries.
Victims Left With Life-Changing Injuries
- The husband, 70, broke bones in his right leg and still has restricted movement after surgery.
- The 67-year-old wife sustained fractures to her elbow, knee, and ribs and requires ongoing medical care.
Their son witnessed the terrifying collision.
Griffiths Flees Scene, Found Asleep in Car
Griffiths didn’t stop after hitting the couple. He was later found asleep in the back of his damaged Corsa in nearby Burnham-on-Sea by a passer-by, who alerted police. Officers arrested Griffiths, who initially refused to cooperate, but eventually admitted drinking. Tests revealed he was two-and-a-half times over the legal alcohol limit.
Jail Sentence and Driving Ban Delivered
At Bristol Crown Court on 9 April, Griffiths pleaded guilty to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was sentenced to two years in prison and handed a five-year driving ban.
“You mowed down two innocent pedestrians while more than twice the legal limit; you failed to stop. Your behaviour was dangerous, you created that danger by drinking and driving.” – HH Judge Michael Longman
Police Warn Against Drink-Driving
“Tyron Griffiths’ blameless victims sustained terrible injuries because of his selfish decision to drive after drinking. Without sheer luck and medics’ work, this could have been fatal. He drove off without checking on his victims, refused to take responsibility, and was caught only thanks to police work. We welcome today’s custodial sentence and hope it serves as a stark warning: drink-driving risks innocent lives, not just your own.” – Investigator Dai Nicholas
