A woman left with life-changing injuries after a serious crash caused by a drunk driver has been in Southmead Hospital for almost two months and may never fully recover. Nicole Bowden, her daughter Emily Fox-Williams and a 11-month-old child had just left their home in Mosterton and were walking to a family birthday on February 8 when the horror crash occurred.
Shane Bovey, who was twice over the drink-drive limit, had been drinking with throughout the afternoon. He then took his friend's Mercedes without permission and crashed into a stone wall and the family. Bovey's actions killed 48-year-old Nicole Bowden, seriously injured her daughter Emily Fox-Williams as well as the young child, who was in a pushchair at the time, reports Dorset Live.
The 24-year-old suffered a traumatic brain injury and significant injuries to her neck, and pelvis. Bournemouth Crown Court was told her “long-term diagnosis is uncertain” and she remains in Southmead Hospital. Her son sustained a skull fracture, lung contusion and it is “difficult to predict the long-term consequences of his injuries”.
It's likely she will require specialist care for the rest of her life. A fundraiser set up by Emily's friends has raised more than £30,000 at the time of writing and aims to support her baby's future.
Shane Bovey, who drove through the village at approximately 60 to 68mph, had spent the day drinking alcohol at the Royal Standard pub in Lyme Regis. He was jailed for 14 years as Judge William Mousley blasted his “disgraceful driving (that) has shattered the lives of a family” and strongly criticised his “cowardly” behaviour following the crash. He pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, two offences of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and an offence of aggravated vehicle taking.
In a passionate and emotional statement to the court, Mrs Bowden's father Sidney Fox said: "The law does not have adequate powers for the taking of such a beautiful life, a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and daughter. They were just 30 metres from their homes. The scene looked like a war zone - a 3ft thick wall broken down and a burnt-out car.
"All this in a 30mph zone. It wasn't the car that was out of control, it was the person driving it who had no control. He has broken several laws and destroyed a large part of my family.
"As well as the loss of Nicole, Emily, my poor granddaughter, is going through a living death, still in a critical condition in hospital, leaving a son without his mother. I feel so angry, I wish it was him who was in this condition, not Emily. Every time I see her I hope and pray the damage done is not irreversible.
"He is a wild and lawless animal, out of control. I hope he spends a long time in prison so he cannot destroy another family's life."
Jasmine Williams, Mrs Bowden's other daughter and Miss Fox-Williams' sister, described the moment she said goodbye to her mother in hospital. She said: "I held her right hand as it was the only bit of her I could recognise. She didn't look like my mum anymore.
"Her beautiful face was so bruised and swollen. I held on so tightly to her hand right until the very end.
"The last 10 weeks have been agony, not knowing if you're going to lose your sister as well as your mum is torture. Thankfully Emily is still with us but she will never be the same again. In a way I'm glad my mum is not here to see Emily in this state, it would kill her anyway."
Sergeant Jay Griffin, of the traffic unit, said: “Shane Bovey’s extremely reckless actions on the night of Wednesday, February 8 had devastating consequences, with the death of one woman and two others being seriously injured. He was intoxicated and driving at excessive speed through a rural village before losing control of his vehicle and colliding with the three pedestrians.
“Our thoughts go out to the victims and their loved ones, and we have continued to do all we can to support them throughout the investigation and court process. I hope this tragic incident can send a clear message to anyone thinking of getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drink and drugs of the truly awful consequences that can occur.
“We will continue to do all we can to catch anyone who poses a risk to themselves and other road users by driving while under the influence. We will ensure those who do break the law are investigated robustly and evidence is brought before the court to ensure they are held to account for their offending.”
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