Police have released shocking CCTV footage of a pensioner driving through a shop window and knocking over a young child in order to highlight the dangers of drink-driving. Marion Smith, 79, can be seen ploughing through a Landside Wine Stores window in Leigh, Greater Manchester, before hitting a six-year-old boy, who was in the shop with his family on 29 May 2016.
Smith then attempts to reverse back, causing more of the shop to collapse on to the car. The boy escaped with only cuts and bruises after being struck down.
Smith pleaded guilty to failing to provide a sample of breath and driving without due care and attention and disqualified from driving for three years. She was also given a 50 hours community order and ordered to pay costs of £170 ($241).
The terrifying footage of the crash was released by Greater Manchester Police as part of their drink and drug drive operation, which will continue through June to coincide with the summer and Euro 2016 football tournament when people may be tempted to drink and drive.
Sergeant John Brennan from GMPs Road Policing Unit said: This was a horrific ordeal for the young boy and his family. Thankfully he is alive and well but those terrifying moments will stay with his family forever.
When you choose to drive a car after having a drink, you are also choosing to put other people at risk. This family popped to the shop to buy some sweets yet found themselves caught up in somebody elses selfish decision to drive while drunk.
We have released this footage to reiterate the dangers of driving under the influence and the devastating impact it can have on other people. Please stick to none for the road if youre driving. And if youre having a drink, arrange alternative transport home.
