Man jailed after leaving pensioner with serious injuries in Walton-le-Dale collision

A man has been jailed after leaving a pensioner in her 80s with serious injuries following a collision in Walton-le-Dale.

The woman was travelling along Higher Walton Road in her white Audi on 22nd June 2024, when Laurence McGuigan was driving his red Vauxhall Corsa. He crossed the other side of the carriageway and collided with the woman’s car head on.

At the scene, McGuigan told officers that he had closed his eyes, and when he opened them, the car was there.

Both the woman and McGuigan suffered serious injuries.

Forensic analysis found that McGuigan’s blood he had 1024 micrograms of diazepam per litre of blood. The legal limit is 550 micrograms.

Following a police investigation McGuigan was reported for causing serious injuries by careless driving and driving with excess specified drugs above the specified limit.

On 7th November McGuigan pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court where he was sentenced to two years and was banned from driving five years, which will commence upon his release from custody.

Sgt Stuart Hart of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “McGuigan got in his car that day knowing that he had taken diazepam. Whilst it is a prescription drug, there is still a legal limit of how much can be in your system. McGuigan was almost double that limit.

“McGuigan’s actions left a woman with some serious and lasting injuries. You can read from her victim statement how much this has impacted her and her life.

“The victim has conducted herself with dignity throughout the proceedings and we are grateful for her bravery and the strength she has shown throughout.

“Whilst it isn’t my place to comment on the sentence McGuigan received, it absolutely is my place to send a message about drug driving.

“It is not and never will be ok. It impacts real people, including those who choose to drug drive.

“If you know someone who drives under the influence of drugs, whether they are prescription or illegal, please do the responsible thing and report it, so that we can help prevent collisions like these.”

If you know someone who drug drives, report it to us on 101. If a crime is in progress call 999.

In a victim personal statement, the woman, aged in her 80s, said: “I have always been sociable; I used to go out a lot. I would meet with my friends regularly and see my granddaughter every Tuesday.

“Now, I would not contemplate going out on my own, I only go to the shops with my daughter as I do not feel confident going out on my own.

“Since the accident I haven’t left the house as much as I used to. I have not caught up with my friends as I don’t feel up to it. I only go to Waitrose or use the park and ride if I need to go into town.

“I haven’t seen my granddaughter in a while.”

She continued: “The whole situation has left me frustrated as I feel I have lost my freedom and independence. I feel tired and am more forgetful. I no longer leave the house like I used to. When I am out, I feel very aware of what everyone else is doing on the road.”