Drink driver jailed for causing death of teenager
He also seriously injured three other people
“People who drive under the influence of alcohol make a conscious decision to do so and these are the potential consequences."
These are the words of PC Craig Pearson from Warwickshire Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, after Steven Walsh from Runcorn was jailed for causing the death of one man and seriously injuring three other people while under the influence of alcohol.
On the evening of 23 November 2023 Walsh got into his car after having at least six pints of lager at two pubs in Brinklow. He offered a lift to five people he had met earlier.
Within minutes, he left the road after failing to negotiate a bend and hit a tree. Four of the passengers and Walsh himself were seriously injured; one of these – a teenager – later died after suffering injuries to his head, neck and spine.
Appearing at Warwick Crown Court on Monday, Walsh, 36, of Birch Road, Runcorn, was jailed for seven years and six months after pleading guilty to one count of causing death by dangerous driving and three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
PC Pearson continued: “Throughout the investigation, Walsh accepted responsibility and understood the devastating impact of his actions. Unfortunately, by this time it was too late for him. Please don’t think this can’t happen to you. Do not drink and drive.”