A speeding driver who crashed his car into a group of people at a village carnival after taking a cocktail of drink and drugs has been jailed.
Eleven people, including six children, were seriously injured when Ethan Walker’s Tesla ploughed into them as they enjoyed the annual Tideswell Wakes event in June 2023.
Walker, who had also been in attendance at the event, had been seen by witnesses and captured on CCTV drinking alcohol throughout the day.
After offering a friend who lift, who refused because he was drunk, Walker got in his Tesla which was parked around 100 metres from where the carnival funfair was. As he set off, he drove through a grass verge onto Whitecross Road before speeding up to over 60mph. Walker’s car then went on the wrong side of the road before he lost control with the car spinning in the road.
The Tesla then mounted a grass verge and collided with 11 people before hitting a tree.
Members of the public rushed to help the injured as they waited for the arrival of the emergency services.
When police arrived at the scene, Walker was still in the car. He was also taken to hospital where he tried to prevent officers carrying out drink and drug driving tests by pretending to be asleep.
He failed to provide a sample of breath for analysis to check his alcohol level but did provide a saliva sample which tested positive for cocaine and cannabis. A blood sample was taken from him which also showed he was over the limit for alcohol.
Walker, 28, of Stafford Road, Sheffield and formerly of Tideswell, was subsequently charged with 11 offences including causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He admitted the charges when he appeared at Derby Crown Court on 9 January. He appeared at the same court for sentence on 14 March when he was jailed for three years and six months, banned from driving for 72 months and must take an extended re-test before he can get back behind the wheel.
Detective Constable Dan Booth, who led the investigation, said: “Walker got behind the wheel of his car on that day knowing he had consumed a number of alcoholic drinks as well as both cocaine and cannabis.
“He then drove off at speed well aware that the area was extremely busy with families and people enjoying the hugely popular village carnival.
“His irresponsible and appalling actions led to several people, including children, being injured – some seriously.
“While it is a miracle that no-one was killed by Walker’s reckless driving on that night, the impact on those people involved cannot be underestimated with many of them still dealing with the physical, mental and emotional trauma this caused.
“His behaviour while at the hospital in trying to prevent officers from carrying out tests is another indicator of Walker’s blatant disregard for the consequences of his actions.
“I am pleased that he has now finally admitted what he has done and is behind bars.”
