Speeding Sheffield driver who crashed into families at Derbyshire village carnival jailed
Eleven people, including six children, were seriously injured after being struck by a Tesla driven by Ethan Walker.
Last updated 14th Mar 2025
A speeding Sheffield driver who hit a group of people at a Derbyshire village carnival, while under the influence of drink and drugs, has been jailed.
28 year old Ethan Walker, of Stafford Road, admitted to 11 offences including causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Derby Crown Court.
He was jailed today for three years six months, also receiving a driving ban.
Walker was at the wheel of a Tesla which ploughed into crowds at the annual Tideswell Wakes event in June 2023.
The popular event in the Peak District usually attracts hundreds of people every year.
The 28 year old was at the festival and got behind the wheel while drunk and set off at speed over a grass verge, reaching 60mph on Whitecross Road before losing control.
His car then mounted another verge and collided with 11 people and a tree.
Walker was taken to hospital where he attempted to avoid drink and drug testing by pretending to be asleep.
He ultimately tested positive for cocaine and cannabis and was also deemed to be over the drink drive limit via a blood sample.
Detective Constable Dan Booth, who led the investigation for Derbyshire Police, said: “Walker got behind the wheel of his car on that day knowing he had consumed a number of alcoholic drinks as well as both cocaine and cannabis.
“He then drove off at speed well aware that the area was extremely busy with families and people enjoying the hugely popular village carnival.
“His irresponsible and appalling actions led to several people, including children, being injured - some seriously.
“While it is a miracle that no-one was killed by Walker’s reckless driving on that night, the impact on those people involved cannot be underestimated with many of them still dealing with the physical, mental and emotional trauma this caused."
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