Drunk Driver Crashes into Pony and Trap, Killing Man in Tragic Collision
Oliver Wareham, 29, of Southampton, has been sentenced to over four years in prison after causing the death of William Gaskin in a shocking drink-driving crash.
Speeding and Drink-Driving Fatal Crash
At Winchester Crown Court, Wareham admitted driving without due care and attention while over the legal alcohol limit. His Volkswagen Bora smashed into a pony and trap on Portsmouth Road on 26 March. Mr Gaskin, 33, from Guildford, who was in the trap, suffered life-threatening injuries and later died at Southampton General Hospital.
Fleeing the Scene and Police Investigation
Wareham initially stopped but fled before police arrived, leaving his car behind. He later called the police the next day to confess he was driving. The Serious Collision Investigation Unit uncovered he was speeding at least 57mph in a 40mph zone before the crash.
Using pub CCTV footage and till receipts, officers proved Wareham had been drinking, placing him well over the drink-drive limit on the night of the fatal crash.
Justice Served: Jail and Driving Ban
Wareham was sentenced to four years and four months in jail. He received a five-year driving ban with an extended retest before he can get behind the wheel again.
Sergeant Rik Grant said: “Sadly this was a totally avoidable death. Wareham’s reckless choices to drink and speed destroyed a life.”
“If he’d been driving at 40mph, he could have stopped in time to avoid hitting the pony and trap. Instead, his actions caused a fatal crash. He then fled the scene to cover up his guilt.”
“Thanks to thorough police work, a dangerous drink-driver is off the roads. Drink-driving and speeding are never worth the risk – as this tragic case shows.”
