Drunk man stumbles out of pub before hitting three pedestrians with van

CCTV footage shows how a man downed numerous drinks at a pub before hitting and seriously injuring three pedestrians with his van.

Adam Garrett was so drunk when he stumbled out of the pub on May 5 last year, he fell over on the pavement – but still decided to get behind the wheel.

The 26-year-old was driving on the B478 in Sonning, Berkshire at around 10.55pm when he struck Chris Redfern, 52, his wife Cristina Di Carlo, 54, and Jeremy Rowson, 63.

The trio were outside the French Horn restaurant, close to George Clooney’s $10 million riverside home, when they were hit by the Ford Transit.

Ms Di Carlo sustained a serious head injury and spent eight months in hospital. She now faces years of rehab.

Mr Redfern and Mr Rowson were also seriously hurt, with the latter still receiving orthopaedic care almost a year later.

Garrett did not stop at the scene to help his victims, but was pulled over and arrested by police officers later that night.

Adam Garrett has been jailed after hitting there pedestrians with his van (Picture: Thames Valley Police)

As he starts a four year prison sentence, Thames Valley Police have released a three-minute video of his behaviour that night, which includes him drinking in the pub, falling over outside, getting in his van and being arrested.

In police bodycam footage, one of the arresting officers can be heard saying ‘what have you taken?’ and ‘you’ve got no clue what you’ve done, do you?’.

Speaking after Garrett’s sentence, Mr Redfern said: ‘The last eleven months have been a living nightmare for my whole family with so many distressing and upsetting events.

Garrett in the pub drinking before he got into the van (Picture: Thames Valley Police)

The video shows him downing shots and other drinks (Picture: Thames Valley Police)

‘My wife had to spend over eight months in hospital and now faces a long rehab journey ahead of her. It has been extremely distressing to see the pain and despair caused to all my family.

‘Whilst I cannot recall much of the collision, it has had a massive impact on all of us including our two teenage children, and I have no doubt it has altered our lives forever. I often wish I hadn’t gone out for dinner that evening.

‘The inconsiderate and dangerous ‘hit and run’ actions of a drunken driver has caused unfathomable pain, injury and psychological damage in so many ways and to so many lives that cannot be undone.’

Garrett falling over after leaving the pub (Picture: Thames Valley Police)

CCTV footage shows him leaving the pub (Picture: Thames Valley Police)

Mr Rowson, meanwhile, added: ‘I sustained significant orthopaedic injuries resulting in multiple surgical operations over several months, which are still ongoing.

‘The irresponsible driving of this man affected our whole family, and we hope that the sentence given today will reflect the severity of his actions.

‘He should reflect on the damage he has caused and the impact his reckless behaviour has had on our lives.’

Garrett pleaded guilty to one count each of dangerous driving, careless driving, driving whilst using a mobile phone, failing to stop following a road traffic collision, failing to nominate a driver and driving with alcohol concentration above prescribed limit.

At one point he has to stop quickly to avoid crashing into another car (Picture: Thames Valley Police)

The moment he’s stopped and arrested by police (Picture: Thames Valley Police)

As well as four-year prison sentence, he was banned from driving for 12 years and will have to pass an extended re-test before getting a new licence.

Police sergeant Edward Crofts, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, welcomed the sentence and added: ‘[Garrett] drove recklessly and dangerously, seriously injuring three pedestrians when drunk.

‘His actions have caused life-changing injuries for which the victims are all still undergoing medical care and treatment for.

‘What makes this crime even worse was that Garrett drove away from the scene with no care for the victims leaving them fighting for their life.’

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