Drink driver who injured runners avoids jail

Carl Howson was disqualified from driving for 12 months at Sheffield Crown Court

A drink driver who injured two runners at a 5km race event has avoided prison.

Carl Howson, 33, was over the prescribed alcohol limit when he struck the pair, who were both taking part in the Grenochase race event in Sheffield on 14 July 2023.

The victims, aged 45 and 46, both suffered minor injuries.

Howson, who had earlier pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle while over the prescribed limit and dangerous driving, was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for 18 months.

Howson, of Studfield Hill in Sheffield, was disqualified from driving for 12 months, told to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £150 in costs when he appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday.

The Grenochase is an annual 5km race around Sheffield's Grenoside district. More than 100 runners took part in the event in 2023.

Sgt Matt Cook, from South Yorkshire Police, said: "I’m glad to see this dangerous driver lose his licence.

"No-one should ever get behind the wheel when they have had too much to drink, there’s no excuse."

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].