Jail after causing car crash (From Bury Times)

Jail after causing car crash

5:00pm Thursday 29th July 2010

• Print
• Email
• Share

A MAN has been jailed for 16 months after causing a horror smash that left a woman fighting for her life.

Ricardo Vieira got behind the wheel of a car before crashing into a sign in Whitefield, on March 28, despite being two-and-a-half times over the limit and not holding a full licence.

The impact of the crash threw passenger Marie Reynolds out of the vehicle, leaving her seriously injured, though she is now recovering.

Vieira, aged 27, of Walker Avenue, Whitefield, was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court on Monday, July 16, for dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol.

At the time of the sentencing, he was already serving a prison sentence for unrelated offences.

Prosecution said Vieira had got into a blue Fiat Punto with Ms Reynolds, aged 30, and it struck a roadside sign at the junction of Bury New Road and Sefton Street at 7.15pm.

Ms Reynolds was thrown from the vehicle and ended up on the road unconscious.

Paramedics treated her at for serious head injuries and she was taken to North Manchester General Hospital.

Vieira suffered minor injuries and was able to get out of the car.

Police arrested him and carried out a breath test where Vieira registered a reading of 87mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath — the limit is 35mcg.

It also came to light that Vieira had only ever possessed a provisional licence.

Ms Reynolds was unconscious in hospital for weeks, but has now regained consciousness and is undergoing physiotherapy in hospital.

After pleading guilty to both offences at a hearing on June 21, Judge Timothy Clayson sentenced Vieira to 16 months for dangerous driving and four months for driving with excess alcohol, to be served concurrently.

• Print
• Email
• Share