A distressing incident occurred when a drunk driver ran over a cyclist and callously drove away, leaving her with severe injuries. The driver, Steven Selwood, aged 43, was driving a large vehicle while being four times over the legal alcohol limit.
The victim, a woman in her 70s, was riding her bicycle in Haslemere, Surrey, on May 12, 2022, when Selwood emerged from a side road and collided with her. The impact was so forceful that the innocent cyclist was knocked off her bike and tragically trapped beneath the wheels of Selwood’s vehicle.
Disturbingly, onlookers witnessed the incident and attempted to stop Selwood, but he heartlessly drove off without showing any concern for the injured cyclist. Eventually, Selwood returned to the scene, where witnesses recognized him and promptly alerted the police. He was subsequently arrested for his reckless actions.
The consequences of this heart-wrenching event have left the victim with life-altering physical and emotional wounds. In an act of bravery, she granted permission to Surrey Police to release the video footage of the incident, hoping that it would serve as a powerful warning to others about the devastating impact of drunk driving.
In a court hearing held at Guildford Crown Court on April 28, 2023, Selwood, a resident of Haslemere, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison. Additionally, he received a three-year driving ban after being found guilty of causing serious injury due to dangerous driving and driving under the influence of alcohol.
In a poignant statement read during the court proceedings, the victim shared the profound impact the collision had on her life. She expressed her deep-seated fear of being near traffic, as well as the loss of trust and hope she experienced
. Nightmares haunt her every night, and her life has been completely altered since the accident. Activities she once enjoyed, such as interacting with others, attending church, backpacking, and managing household tasks, have all become sources of overwhelming anxiety.
Laughter has disappeared from her life, and the daily challenges often overwhelm her, causing her mental state to deteriorate. She lives in constant fear that her weakened left leg will give way, and the traumatic event will be repeated.
Sergeant Joe McGregor, the diligent investigator from Surrey Police, expressed his shock upon viewing the footage, acknowledging its disturbing nature. He stressed the importance of this video serving as a stark reminder of the perils posed by individuals who make the dangerous choice to drink and drive.
The victim, filled with gratitude, wanted to convey her appreciation to the members of the public who intervened and stopped Selwood’s vehicle. She hopes that her case will serve as a stern warning to anyone who believes it is acceptable to drive while under the influence, as such actions not only endanger their own lives but also the lives of others sharing the road.
