Drink-driver who 'mowed down' holidaymaker jailed

Stephen Walkinshaw was driving in an area restricted for trams and authorised vehicles when he struck his victim

A drink-driver "mowed down" a tourist on Blackpool promenade after spending the afternoon in a pub, police have said.

Stephen Walkinshaw seriously injured the pedestrian, in her 40s, as she was walking with her partner near The Dutchman Hotel while on a short break in the seaside resort on 29 September 2023.

Over the legal alcohol limit and travelling at about 30mph in an area restricted for trams and authorised vehicles, Walkinshaw drove away from the crash scene, said Lancashire Police.

Officers arrested Walkinshaw following a brief pursuit. The 43-year-old, of Congleton in Cheshire, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was jailed at Preston Crown Court for three years.

Police said Jaguar F-Pace driver Walkinshaw, of Danebridge Place, failed to stop at the scene after "mowing down" his victim and continued to drive northbound along the tram tracks.

Walkinshaw will be banned from driving for seven-and-a-half years after his release from prison.

Sgt Dan Gunn said it had been a "horrendous collision" and that the woman had "suffered some significant injuries which require ongoing treatment".

He added: "Walkinshaw was both over the drink-drive limit and driving in an area restricted for trams when he ran down the victim.

"To compound his offending, he failed to stop at the scene."