Drink-driver jailed following Weston-super-Mare crash
Tyron Griffiths has also been banned from driving for five years
A drink-driver has been jailed after driving a car that collided with a married couple on the pavement in Weston-super-Mare.
Tyron Griffiths, 32, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was sentenced at Bristol Crown Court on Friday 9 April to two years in prison. He was also handed a five-year driving ban.
Griffiths, of Talbot Close in Highbridge, was driving a Vauxhall Corsa over the Hildesheim Bridge at approximately 2.20am on Friday 13 December 2019, when he lost control and struck the couple.
The couple were taken to hospital with serious and potentially life-threatening head injuries. The husband, now 70, sustained injuries including broken bones and still has restricted movement. His wife, now 67, continues to require medical care.
Addressing Griffiths, HH Judge Michael Longman said: “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.”
Griffiths failed to stop at the scene and was found asleep in the back of the car by a passer-by in Burnham-on-Sea later that morning. Officers attended and arrested Griffiths.
Investigating officer Dai Nicholas said: “Tyron Griffiths’ blameless victims sustained terrible injuries because of his selfish decision to drive after drinking alcohol. They have shown incredible fortitude in their recovery from this shocking collision and we’re grateful for their continued support during our investigation and this court process.
“We welcome the custodial sentence handed out to him today and hope it acts as a warning to others. Drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel of a car is reckless and significantly increases the likelihood of a collision. It puts you, as a driver, at risk of harm but also innocent bystanders too.”