In 2023, Ethan Walker, a 28-year-old man, was caught on surveillance footage consuming alcohol at the Tideswell Wakes Derbyshire carnival before getting behind the wheel of his Tesla. Despite being visibly intoxicated, Walker decided to drive, an action that would lead to a horrific accident.
Walker had initially offered a friend a ride, but the friend declined due to Walker’s inebriated state. Undeterred, Walker proceeded to drive his car, veering off a grass verge onto Whitecross Road and accelerating to speeds exceeding 60mph.
Losing control of his vehicle, Walker’s car swerved onto the wrong side of the road, spinning wildly before mounting another grass verge. The vehicle then collided with 11 bystanders, including six children, before crashing into a tree.
Bystanders rushed to aid the injured victims as they awaited the arrival of emergency services. When police arrived, Walker was still in the vehicle. Officers on the scene expressed their disbelief that no fatalities had occurred as a result of the accident.
Walker was transported to a nearby hospital, where he attempted to evade drink and drug driving tests by feigning sleep. Despite his efforts, he was unable to provide a breath sample for alcohol analysis but did provide a saliva sample. The saliva test returned positive results for both cocaine and cannabis. A subsequent blood test confirmed that Walker was over the legal alcohol limit.
Walker, a resident of Stafford Road, Sheffield, and formerly of Tideswell, was charged with 11 offenses, including causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He pleaded guilty to the charges at Derby Crown Court on January 9 and was sentenced on March 14. Walker received a prison sentence of three years and six months, a driving ban of 72 months, and was ordered to pass an extended re-test before he could regain his driving privileges.
Detective Constable Dan Booth, who led the investigation, condemned Walker’s actions, stating that Walker knowingly drove under the influence of alcohol, cocaine, and cannabis in an area bustling with families attending the popular village carnival. Booth expressed relief that Walker had admitted his guilt and was now serving his sentence.