'Selfish' drink driver ploughed into family car while 'on his way to end life'
26.09.2022 - 09:49
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A dad-of-four, who had been planning to drive his car off a cliff in a ‘moment of madness’, smashed into a family car as he sped around a bend. A couple in their 60s were injured in the crash and their three young grandchildren were all left with bruises.
Michael Sutton, 35, had been struggling with his mental health and planned to take his own life, Minshull Street Crown Court heard. Prosecution barrister David Farley told a sentencing hearing that Sutton got behind the wheel of his Ford Transit van at around 4pm on May 15 2021 but lost control on Glossop Road, Charlesworth, High Peak, and veered into the wrong side of the road.
As a result, Sutton’s van smashed head-on into a Citroen C4 being driven by Paul Todd, who was on his way home from a family trip at Knowsley Safari Park, with his wife Elaine and their three grandchildren. Mrs Todd, 63, was most seriously injured - suffering a double fracture to her left shoulder.
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Mr Todd, 61, received an eight inch cut to his forehead and further cuts to his legs. The children suffered seat belt injuries and bruising, and one had a black eye as a result of the crash.
After the collision, Sutton was heard telling a nurse that he had drank five bottles of Budweiser prior to driving. He was taken to hospital for injuries he received but refused to provide a sample for analysis to be tested for alcohol.
Since the incident, Mrs Todd now has trouble completing everyday tasks such as dressing herself, brushing her hair, and looking after her grandchildren. Mr Todd said that his injuries have led to lymphedema.
Sutton, of Fairfield Road, Buxton, pleaded guilty to causing