Warwickshire man jailed for manslaughter after dragging victim under car
Pierce Whelan, 35, had been smoking cannabis and drinking before the collision.
A driver from Warwickshire has been jailed after dragging a woman under his car for half a mile before leaving her to die on the roadside.
Nawelle Ormerod was fatally injured in Nuneaton in June 2021.
Pierce Whelan, 35, of Gillet Close admitted to killing the 37-year-old, who was trapped under his car and also to causing serious injury to a 28-year-old man who was thrown over his car in the same incident.
Whelan was sentenced at Warwick Crown Court to 14 years’ custody for manslaughter and 3 years’ custody for causing serious injury to another pedestrian.
He was also disqualified from driving for life.
Emily Clewer of the CPS said: “Pierce Whelan showed complete disregard for public safety when he got behind the wheels of his car knowing fully well that he was intoxicated and killed an innocent woman, Nawelle Tina Ormerod, in the process. Dangerous drivers like Pierce Whelan do not belong on our roads.
"Driving dangerously endangers other road users and pedestrians, ruins lives and causes immeasurable pain to families and the CPS is committed to ensuring that those who engage in such behaviour are brought before the courts to face the consequences of their actions. I hope the sentencing today serves as a reminder to other drivers of the potentially fatal consequences of driving dangerously. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family.”
Following the verdict, Warwickshire Police have released CCTV footage recorded on the evening of the collision.
After the hearing Inspector Michael Huntley from Warwickshire Police, Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: " “The horrific consequences of Pierce Whelan’s actions on 19 June 2021 have been devastating for the family and everyone who knew Nawelle Ormerod. Nawelle leaves a husband and son, who keenly feel their loss and my thoughts remain with them.
"Lives changed forever on that day, including the life of the man who was also hit by Whelan’s car. He received surgery to insert a metal plate and nine screws into the complex fracture on his right arm. These injuries have proven life changing, both physically and mentally.
"The tragic result of Mr Whelan’s actions should serve as a stark reminder to all drivers of the lawful and moral responsibility incumbent on us all when driving.
"I would like to thank the members of the public, police officers and colleagues in the West Midlands Ambulance Service who responded on the night of the collision, in what was clearly a very traumatic and complex scene. I would also like to thank all the investigation team, who conducted a detailed and thorough investigation, plus the CPS who prosecuted the case in court.”