POLICE have released pictures from the scene of a collision in Bridgwater that saw a man jailed after admitting causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Stuart Dowding, of Thornley, Durham, has been jailed for 16 months and disqualified from driving for 50 months

The head-on collision took place on Wednesday, January 26 on the A372 Westonzoyland Road in Bridgwater.

Dowding was driving his BMW X1 at around 10pm and was involved in the collision with a car travelling in the other direction after leaving his lane on a bend in a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre.

Bridgwater Mercury: “It’s never acceptable to drink and drive and anyone taking prescription medication has a further responsibility to make sure they are fit to get behind the wheel.”​ Picture: Avon and Somerset Police“It’s never acceptable to drink and drive and anyone taking prescription medication has a further responsibility to make sure they are fit to get behind the wheel.”​ Picture: Avon and Somerset Police (Image: Avon and Somerset Police) The woman driving the other vehicle, also a BMW X1, suffered serious long-term injuries as a result of the collision.

Dowding was found to have 155 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood - almost twice the legal limit. He also had prescription drugs in his bloodstream.

Acting Sergeant Owen Davies, lead investigating officer in the case, said: “Mr Dowding told us he was experiencing serious side-effects from prescribed medication and blamed this for his decision to drink and then drive.

“His erratic driving was witnessed by other motorists in the moments before the collision and his actions have caused a lasting injury to a woman who was simply making her way home from work.

“It’s never acceptable to drink and drive and anyone taking prescription medication has a further responsibility to make sure they are fit to get behind the wheel.”​


Read more: Dangerous drink driver jailed for causing serious injury in Bridgwater