‘Not a night goes by without nightmares’
Police have released a video showing the moment a drink driver knocks a pensioner off her bike, and then almost comes to a stop, before continuing to drive her.
Steven Selwood, of Haslemere, was four times over the legal limit when he got into his car on 12 May 2022.
The 43-year-old was driving onto West Street, Haslemere from a car park exit road when he failed to give way, striking the victim, a woman in her 70s, as she cycled along West Street in front of him in broad daylight, Surrey Police said.
“Not only did he knock her off her bike, but he also continued to drive his vehicle forward crushing her as she lay on the ground,” the force wrote after sharing the footage.
The victim, who is still suffering from life-changing physical and mental injuries, as a result of the incident allowed footage of it to be released as a “warning to others of the potential consequences of drink driving”.
Selwood was jailed for two years and three months at Guildford Crown Court on 28 April after being convicted of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst over the prescribed alcohol limit.
The victim, who has not been named, said after the incident: “My sense of loss is deep, my trust in my world evaporated, my sense of hope gone.”
A member of the public initially stopped Selwood’s vehicle, however, he decided to drive away before walking back to the scene.
he was later identified by witnesses and arrested by police.
In a victim impact statement, the victim said: “Not a night goes by without nightmares.”
She explained that her life “changed considerably” since she was knocked off her bike.
“I used to be outgoing, talking a lot to others, going to church, back-packing. I did my own DIY and gardening.
“I was never frightened of traffic like I am today, absolutely terrified with a strong feeling it’s going to happen again.”
The woman continued: My worst fear now is that my left leg will not hold me up through weakness which is happening more so these days plus my mental state is not too good. I don’t laugh anymore. I get overwhelmed with the everyday occurrences, not being able to deal with multiple issues.”
Investigating Officer, Sergeant Joe McGregor, said: “This footage is shocking to watch but it may serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by those who choose to drink and drive. The victim would like to express her gratitude to the members of the public who stopped Selwood’s vehicle.
“The victim, in this case, has been left with lifelong physical and mental scars and has bravely said she wants her case to be a warning to anyone who thinks that it is acceptable to drive whilst under the influence. It isn’t. You are putting your life and the lives of others at risk.
“Alcohol limits are there for a reason and if you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, then call 999.”
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