Atherstone drunk driver sentenced for seriously injuring a woman
The 38 year-old was more than twice over the legal alcohol limit
A drunk driver from Atherstone has been sentenced for seriously injuring a woman while driving.
Thirty-eight year old Joanna Harbourne from New Street, Baddesley Ensor, has been jailed for 30 months and disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 41 Months after appearing at Warwick Crown Court on Friday 14 June 2024.
She was also ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge and will be required to pass an extended test of competence before she can drive again.
She had earlier pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drink driving.
The incident happened during the day of Friday 26 May 2023, when Harbourne was driving her black Renault Clio on Atherstone Road, Coleshill and drifted into oncoming traffic colliding head on with the driver of a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction.
As a result, the other driver, who was going about her day to day business, suffered serious injuries and was taken to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire by ambulance for assessment and treatment.
She remained at the hospital for some time, having numerous operations. She is continuing to receive ongoing treatment for her injuries and it is not yet known whether she will make a full recovery.
Tests following the collision revealed that Harbourne had 192 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of her blood, which is over twice the legal limit of 80 milligrammes.
Speaking after the sentence, PC Keil Hetherington said “The selfish act of Joanna Harbourne in drinking and driving that day changed the course of an innocent person’s life, forever. This is totally unacceptable. She now has a criminal record and we hope some time in prison will give her time to reflect on what she has done.
“We would like to reassure the public that we take drink driving extremely seriously and will stop at nothing to get a successful prosecution.
“Our advice is, if you’re driving, please don’t drink any alcohol at all. Please plan ahead if you are going out and book a taxi, go out within walking distance of home or agree a nominated driver beforehand.”
Warwickshire Police has recently provided this advice that includes links to local services for adults and young people affected by alcohol and/or drugs. Enjoy the Euros without drink driving | Warwickshire Police