Bournemouth drink driver jailed for serious injury crash
Elias Gananca Da Cova has been given a three year, three month prison term
A drink driver from Bournemouth, who caused a serious injury road traffic collision in Bournemouth has been jailed.
60 year old Elias Gananca Da Cova, aged 60 has been sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court to three years and three months in prison.
He admitting causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Da Cova will also banned from driving for 10 years, with the disqualification starting when he is released from prison.
What happened?
Da Cova was driving a Vauxhall Astra that was involved in a collision with a motorcycle on Richmond Park Road, near to the Springbourne Roundabout, at around 11.30pm on Friday 20th May 2022.
Witnesses described seeing the defendant driving in an erratic manner prior to the collision, causing other motorists to take evasive action and swerving across the road.
The motorcyclist, a local man aged in his 50s, sustained serious injuries to his leg and officers who arrived on scene, as well as members of the public, provided immediate first aid prior to the arrival of paramedics.
The injury was so serious the victim’s leg was amputated at the scene to save his life before he was taken to hospital.
Da Cova was arrested at the scene and blood samples found he had 302 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood in his system.
That's nearly four times the legal limit.
Sergeant Lee Savage, of the traffic unit, said:
“It was recognised by the judge at the sentencing hearing that Elias Da Cova showed a flagrant disregard for the laws of the road and he imposed the maximum sentence he was able to in the circumstances.
“We remain committed to taking robust action against those who pose a risk to other road users by driving while under the influence of drink and drugs and will do all we can to compile evidence and ensure they are held accountable for their offending.
“The victim in this case said he wanted to thank police for their investigation and particularly wanted to praise the officers and members of the public who provided life-saving first aid at the scene. These were Police Constables Paul Wilson and Neil Chapman, as well as civilians Joshua Collins and Lesley Barnes. I would also like to commend these individuals for their response on the night.”