A drunk driver who hit a woman on tram tracks in Blackpool and led police on a chase after failing to stop has been jailed.

Stephen Walkinshaw had spent the afternoon drinking in a local pub on September 29, 2023, before driving his Jaguar F-Pace. According to Lancashire Police, the 44-year-old driver collided with the victim while driving at 30mph in a restricted area for trams and authorised vehicles.

The woman in her forties was walking with her partner while on a short vacation at the seaside resort. The court heard that she sustained ‘extensive life-changing lower limb injuries’ that require ongoing treatment.

In a victim statement, the woman stated that the collision ‘changed her life and her family’s’ and that she continues to suffer from both physical and mental pain. According to police, Walkinshaw failed to stop at the scene despite significant damage to his vehicle and continued driving north along the tram tracks.

Stephen Walkinshaw was both over the drink drive limit and driving in an area restricted for trams

A police patrol spotted the vehicle, unaware of the collision. Walkinshaw refused to stop, but after a brief pursuit, he was apprehended and arrested.

Walkinshaw, of Danebridge Place in Congleton, Cheshire, admitted causing serious injury through dangerous driving. He was sentenced to three years in prison at Preston Crown Court and will face a seven-year driving ban upon release.

Police today (April 30) released video footage of Walkinshaw driving through Blackpool at the time of the incident and when he was arrested.

Sgt Dan Gunn of the Roads Policing Unit stated, “My thoughts today are first and foremost with the victim of this tragic collision. She suffered serious injuries that require ongoing treatment, and the collision has had a significant impact on her and her family. I hope this result provides her with some closure and allows her to focus on her ongoing recovery.

“Walkinshaw was over the drink-drive limit and driving in a tram-only zone when he hit the victim, and to make matters worse, he failed to stop at the scene.

“I welcome this sentence which is a result of the quality and strength of the prosecution case, and my thanks go to all those involved in the investigation.”

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