Drink driver in Thetford jailed for injuring passenger
Thetford man sentenced to two and a half years for causing serious injury
A 42-year-old man from Thetford has been jailed for two and a half years after twice exceeding the drink-drive limit and causing serious injury to his passenger.
Humberto Alenxender Fernando appeared at Norwich Crown Court on 19th May, where he admitted to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drink driving.
In addition to his prison term, Fernando was disqualified from driving for three years and three months and must complete an extended retest upon returning to the road.
The court heard that the incident occurred late on 14th June 2025 when Fernando was driving home after a night out and lost control of his vehicle on Brandon Road.
His vehicle collided with a brick wall, causing it to roll before stopping in the middle of the road.
Officers attended the scene and conducted a breath test on Fernando, which showed 77ug of alcohol—a significant breach of the legal limit of 35ug.
Fernando was arrested and taken to hospital for his injuries.
His passenger, a woman in her 30s, suffered extensive injuries, including fractures, lacerations, and internal bruising, resulting in a stay of over two months in hospital.
Investigations revealed that the speed limit was breached, with Fernando driving at 63mph in a 30mph zone at the time of the collision.
A blood sample taken at the hospital showed Fernando had 127mg of alcohol in his system, far above the legal limit of 80mg.
Fernando had already been banned from driving for 17 months in a previous instance of drink driving in April 2025.
PC Sam Land from the Roads and Armed Policing Team stated that Fernando's behaviour posed a significant threat, saying: "Both he and his passenger are lucky to be alive. His extended driving ban will protect the local community once he has served his custodial sentence."
PC Land emphasised the dangers of drink driving: "There is never an excuse for driving under the influence. Get a taxi, catch the bus or get a lift. Do not get behind the wheel."