A driver who caused a serious injury road traffic collision while under the influence of alcohol in Blandford has been jailed.

Holly Ann Davies, aged 36 from Milborne St Andrew, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on 22 August 2023 after admitting charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drink driving. She was sentenced to 14 months in jail and disqualified from driving for 37 months.

The collision occurred at around 8am on 19 September 2022 on the A354 near to the Badger Roundabout and involved a cyclist and a white Mercedes. A witness stated the Mercedes appeared to make no attempt to brake, swerve or react before or after the collision and made off from the scene.

The cyclist, a man aged in his 50s, was knocked from his bicycle and a passing off duty police officer provided first aid until the ambulance service arrived.

The cyclist required hospital treatment for a fracture to his shoulder blade, injuries to his elbows and concussion symptoms. Doctors noted that his condition was likely to have been far worse had he not been wearing a cycle helmet, which was severely damaged in the collision.

Police found a wing mirror from a white Mercedes in the verge near to the collision scene and the witness was able to note the registration of the vehicle. Following enquiries, the vehicle was located with a missing wing mirror in the Ferndown area and the defendant was subsequently arrested.

In custody, a specimen of Davies’ urine was taken – some four hours after the collision – and she was found to have 170 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine. The legal limit is 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine.

Police Constable Gavin Newbury, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “This case is another stark reminder of the dangerous consequences of driving while under the influence of alcohol, not only for the driver but other road users too. There is no doubt that if the cyclist had not been wearing a protective helmet this collision would have been even more serious.

“We remain committed to investigating those who pose such a risk by driving whilst intoxicated and will work tenaciously to ensure those who commit offences are prosecuted and brought before the courts.”