Christmas Day Horror: Reckless Driver Joins Pavement and Mows Down Grandmother
A Romsey motorist has been slammed with a two-year jail sentence after hitting a pedestrian with a frosted windscreen on Christmas Day last year – leaving the victim with life-changing injuries.
Dashing Through Danger on Frosty Roads
Callum Patrick Darch, 21, of Sutherland Close, Romsey, was behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Corsa on Anstey Road when disaster struck on December 25, 2019.
His car jumped the curb and smashed into a 61-year-old woman walking along the pavement. Darch then sped off without stopping.
Life-Altering Injuries and a High-Speed Getaway
The victim suffered serious damage to both legs. As he fled, Darch also crashed into two parked vehicles, causing even more chaos.
Police found his abandoned vehicle nearby. During his arrest, £the knuckle duster and an ASP baton were discovered in his possession.
Frozen Windscreen & Fatal Mistakes
Further investigation revealed Darch had been driving with a frosted windscreen, severely restricting his view—a reckless act that helped seal his fate.
Justice Served: Prison and Driving Ban
Darch pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop, failing to provide driver information, and possession of an offensive weapon. Southampton Crown Court handed down a two-year prison sentence.
He was also banned from driving for 36 months, starting after his release.
PC Paul Morrison from the Roads Policing Unit said: “Darch indulged in a prolonged and deliberate course of dangerous driving which left a grandmother with life changing injuries. His selfish actions devastated a family on Christmas Day.
“We on the Roads Policing Unit will not tolerate such behaviour on our roads. We leave no stone unturned in bringing offenders to justice. Today’s outcome can’t undo the damage, but I hope it brings some comfort to the family knowing Darch has been held to account.
“His sentence should serve as a stark warning – it’s simply not worth the risk.”
