A woman has said she wants everyone to see CCTV taken of her being ran over by a drink driver behind the wheel of a 4×4.
Steven Selwood, 43, left his victim, who is in her 70s, with life-changing wounds after he drove his 4X4 into her and carried on despite her being stuck underneath. She was cycling in Haslemere, Surrey, on May 12, 2022, when Selwood came out of a side road and crashed into her, knocking her off her bike before crushing her under the wheels of his vehicle as she lay on the ground.
Members of the public can be seen in the footage trying to stop Selwood but he drove off. He eventually walked back to the scene, where he was identified by witnesses and arrested by police, WalesOnline reports.
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The victim, who is still suffering from life-changing physical and mental injuries as a result, has allowed footage of the incident to be released as a warning to others of the potential consequences of drink driving.
In an impact statement, she said: “Not a night goes by without nightmares. My life has changed considerably. 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. 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.”
At Guildford Crown Court on April 28, Selwood, from Haslemere, was jailed for two years and three months. He has also been disqualified from driving for three years after being found guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst over the limit.
Sergeant Joe McGregor, investigating officer for Surrey Police, 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.”
The ECHO shared the footage on social media earlier today [Tuesday, May 16] and people were shocked at how short Selwood's sentence was.
Julie Gaskell from Liverpool said: "Sickening!! He could have applied the brakes as soon as he’d hit her! But deliberately drove over her!!
"I’m surprised that she’s survived! Lord knows the pain and quality of life she’s left to endure!"
Lindsay Potter from St Helens said: "Totally agree, two years is not nearly enough. Should also receive a lifetime disqualification, disgusting."
Sarah Walsh from Liverpool said: "What a ridiculously light sentence. He didn’t just hit her and she came off her bike. She’s lucky to be alive. He drove over and over her. Utterly horrific."
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