Drunk driver jailed for 32 months after terrifying crash leaves woman paralysed
Speeding and drink-driving catastrophe in Birmingham
Aaron Wood, 30, sped down a 30mph road at 53mph while intoxicated, carrying three passengers in his car on Alcester Road, Moseley. The crash, which happened at midnight on 25 January 2020, left two passengers with life-changing injuries.
One passenger left tetraplegic, another badly hurt
- A Canadian woman suffered severe spinal cord damage and is now tetraplegic.
- A second passenger sustained multiple fractures and brain bleeding.
- The third passenger escaped without injuries.
Jail time and long driving ban for Wood
Police found Wood had a breath alcohol level of 80 micrograms per 100ml, well over the legal limit. He admitted guilt in July 2020 to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and one count of drink-driving.
Today, Birmingham Crown Court sentenced Wood to 32 months in prison. He’s banned from driving for eight years and four months, starting from his initial court appearance in July 2020. An extended driving test will also be required before he can get behind the wheel again.
Prosecutor condemns Wood’s reckless actions
“This was a horrific incident involving two victims who were seriously injured as a result of Aaron Wood’s actions. One victim suffered catastrophic and devastating injuries which will change her life forever,” said Claire Nicholls, District Crown Prosecutor.
“I want to thank both victims for their courage and support of the prosecution case throughout these proceedings. While today’s sentence can never replace the trauma they have suffered, I hope the fact that justice has been delivered brings some comfort to them.”