Drink driver charged following collision with teenage girl in Westbury

A drink driver who collided with a teenage girl in Westbury, and then urinated in full view of the victim, has been sentenced.

On 13th March this year, John Thompson, 45, from Norden, Bradford on Avon, collided with a 14-year-old girl in Meadow Lane. The girl suffered injuries which were not life changing.

Thompson was disqualified from driving for 17 months, to be reduced by 17 weeks if the defendant completes a driving course approved by the Secretary of State.    

He was also ordered to pay £114 to fund victim services at court and court costs of £85. He must also complete a 60-day alcohol abstinence requirement, with arrangements in place for monitoring, and up to eight days of rehabilitation activity.    

At the scene, another man had claimed to be the driver. Thompson had then stated he was desperate to go to the toilet, and urinated against the passenger side of his van despite the child being laid in the road injured just metres away.   

Both Thompson and the other man were arrested, Thompson being over the legal drink drive limit.   

Thompson failed to provide an evidential sample for analysis in custody. He was subsequently charged with and pleaded guilty to failing to provide, careless driving and driving without an MOT.   

The other man was released with no further action.

“This incident was incredibly traumatic for the victim and her mother who was also at the scene,” said Roads Policing Sergeant Neil Bott.

“Any collision with a vehicle can be traumatic, but to then have the driver be so incredibly callous and disrespectful by urinating in front of the victim while she was lying injured is hard to believe.   

“Thompson then tried to protest his innocence in custody before being shown clear footage that he had been driving the van.   

“I am pleased he has now been sentenced, and I hope he takes the time to reflect on his actions.”

Pictured: Meadow Lane. Picture credit Google Maps