Drunk Driver Crashes Ford Puma into Darlington Theatre
Richard Kelly, 47, slammed his Ford Puma into Darlington Hippodrome at 3.40pm on Thursday, March 7.
He sped down Park Place, smashed through a T-junction, then crashed through metal barriers outside the theatre, smashing into the front of the building.
CCTV Shows Near Misses Before Chaotic Crash
CCTV footage caught the terrifying moments as Kelly’s car narrowly missed pedestrians and other vehicles while careering across Parkgate.
Onlookers rushed to help and emergency services arrived swiftly at the scene.
Drunk and Unbelted Driver Hurt in Scary Smash
Kelly, who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt and reeked of booze, was helped from the wrecked car. He was taken to hospital with broken ribs. Luckily, he was the only person in the vehicle.
He was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and later charged.
12 Months Jail and Driving Ban for Kelly
Kelly, from Bourne Court, Darlington, admitted deliberately crashing into the theatre after claiming he pressed the accelerator instead of the brake.
At Teesside Crown Court on May 1, he was sentenced to 12 months behind bars and banned from driving for 16 months.
