A teenage drink driver has been sentenced to prison after crashing into a motorcyclist who was stopped at a red traffic light, leaving the victim with life-changing injuries.
Eden Mander, 19, was behind the wheel of a Toyota Yaris when the collision occurred shortly after 1am on Epsom High Street in Surrey.
The impact sent the motorcyclist flying through the air, while Mander’s vehicle overturned before crashing into another car that was waiting at the junction.
Witnesses reported seeing the teenager climb out of the wrecked vehicle and walk away from the scene without checking on the injured rider or contacting emergency services.
Police later identified Mander as the driver and questioned him about the incident. During the investigation, he admitted he had been driving the car at the time of the crash.
A roadside breath test revealed he was more than twice the legal alcohol limit. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of drink driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The motorcyclist suffered severe injuries and required multiple surgeries following the collision. Authorities said the victim will continue to need medical treatment as part of a lengthy recovery process.
At court, Mander was sentenced to 16 months in prison for causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He also received a separate four-month prison sentence for drink driving, which will run concurrently.
In addition, he was disqualified from driving for three years.
Commenting on the case, Sergeant Adam Pegler said the incident highlighted the devastating consequences of drink driving and warned motorists of the risks associated with getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.
He noted that the victim’s life had been permanently affected despite simply travelling home from work, adding that the outcome could easily have been far worse.
The case serves as another stark reminder of the dangers of drink driving and the potentially devastating impact reckless decisions can have on innocent road users.
