We’ve encountered several hit-and-run cases caused by drunk driving, but the one we’re about to share with you today may leave chills down your spine. Keep reading to unveil details about this heart-wrenching case that left a 37-year-old mother of one killed and severely injured a 26-year-old man.
The Culprit Is Revealed
Pierce Whelan was driving his father’s car, a Peugeot 406 while being drunk and high on cannabis when he hit a 26-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman, Nawelle Ormerod.
Banned For Life
The Warwick Crown Court announced its verdict on Friday, charging Whelan with manslaughter and driving dangerously, for which he has been assigned jail time for 21 years and has been banned from driving again.
Over The Legal Limit
Test results revealed that the alcohol concentration in his breath was 82 micrograms, which is 47 micrograms above the legal restriction of 32 micrograms for every 100 milliliters of breath. On the other hand, his saliva test revealed he had been smoking cannabis.
One Of The Worst Cases
Emily Clewer, a member of the Crown Prosecution Service, said about the case, “This is one of the worst hit-and-run cases I have come across.”
An Awful Choice
“Pierce Whelan knowing fully well he had hit someone failed to stop at the scene and continued driving his car with no regard for Nawelle Ormerod, who was trapped beneath his car.”
Drinking And Smoking
Talking about Whelan’s condition prior to the accident, Prosecutor Clewer said, “He had been drinking and smoking cannabis when he left a friend’s house.”
Compromising A Life
She later added more details, saying, “Despite the fact that a taxi had been called to take him, his girlfriend, and her children home, he was captured on CCTV driving away from the address knowing he was unfit to drive, and that decision cost an innocent woman her life.”
A Warning To Others
Clewer then used the platform to warn others, “I hope this case serves as a warning to others who may be tempted to drink and drive.”
The Law Will Continue To Punish
As for her duty as a prosecutor, she said, “Driving while intoxicated ruins lives, and we will prosecute offenders to the full extent of the law. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family.”
No Sign Of Stopping
Even after Whelan had hit the two pedestrians, he refused to stop, although the windscreen of his car had been smashed. CCTV footage caught the cold-blooded incident and Whelan’s erratic driving.
Some Things Cannot Be Reversed
Nawelle Ormerod passed away instantly, while the 26-year-old man retained a broken arm that required nine screws to repair it.
A Devastating Tragedy
Inspector Michael Huntley from the Serious Collision Unit of the Warwickshire Police said , “The horrific consequences of Pierce Whelan’s actions on 19 June 2021 have been devastating for the family and everyone who knew Nawelle Ormerod. Nawelle leaves a husband and son who keenly feel their loss, and my thoughts remain with them.”
Lives Changed Forever
Sharing his grief, he further stated, “Lives changed forever on that day, including the life of the man who was also hit by Whelan’s car. He received surgery to insert a metal plate and nine screws into the complex fracture on his right arm.”
Over And Above
Talking about the culprit, Inspector Huntley said, “Pierce Whelan chose to drink alcohol, putting him at double the drink-drive limit, and smoke cannabis before getting into his car to drive that night.”
Rejection Of Help
Sharing details about the incident, he revealed, “’Associates who had been with him prior to the collision had ordered a taxi and repeatedly advised him not to drive. However, Whelan ignored this advice and sped off in his vehicle prior to the arrival of the taxi.”
A Stark Reminder
Leaving a final comment about the incident, he said, “The tragic result of Whelan’s actions should serve as a stark reminder to all drivers of the lawful and moral responsibility incumbent on us all when driving.”
Showing An Irresponsible Manner
Furthermore, Huntley condemned Whelan’s actions, saying, “Whelan behaved in a totally irresponsible manner in driving whilst unfit and then failing to stop and remain at the scene of the collision, which ultimately led to devastating consequences.”
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An Applause For First Responders
Applauding the first responders for their immediate action, Inspector Huntley made sure to include them in their speech, saying, “I would like to thank the members of the public, police officers and colleagues in the West Midlands Ambulance Service who responded on the night of the collision, in what was clearly a very traumatic and complex scene.”
A Win For The Team
He ended his remarks about the incident with a final appeal of gratitude to the investigative and prosecution teams, “I would also like to thank all the investigation team, who conducted a detailed and thorough investigation, plus the CPS who prosecuted the case in court.”