A drink driver who crashed with two kids in his car has avoided a prison sentence.
Simon Wright ploughed an Audi RS4 head-on into an oncoming Land Rover Discovery on the B4042 in Malmesbury on 25 March last year.
The 43-year-old lost control of his sports car as he came off Priory Roundabout having overtaken two cars – in a 30mph zone – and caused the smash at around 4.30pm.
Both Wright and his front-seat passenger sustained serious injuries, while two young children in the rear seats were treated for shock, but escaped injury.
The occupants of the Land Rover were admitted to hospital, but weren’t seriously hurt.
At Swindon Crown Court on 26 July, Wright pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and drink driving.
The defendant, of Parklands, Malmesbury, was handed an 18-month suspended prison sentence and was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.
He must also pay £2,000 compensation to the occupants of the other car, and a £187 surcharge. He was banned from driving for two years.
PC Luke Hobbs, from the Roads Policing Unit, said: “This standard of driving, especially whilst under the influence of alcohol, is totally unacceptable on our roads and poses a significant danger to other road users.
“The fact that there were young children also in the vehicle at the time does not bare thinking about.
“Dangerous driving and drink driving are two of the fatal five offences most likely to cause serious harm or death on our roads and we are 100 per cent dedicated to targeting those committing these offences in order to keep our roads safe.
“We all know alcohol can give you a false sense of confidence and unfortunately all too often we see drivers getting behind the wheel of a car having consumed alcohol under the impression they are invincible.
“It should not take a serious collision like this to understand the serious consequences of your actions if you are one of these people.
“I am pleased that as a result of his selfish and mindless actions, Wright has been banned from our roads.”
