Driver hit men then left them lying on the ground
A 21-YEAR-OLD man who was nearly twice the legal drink-drive limit ploughed into two men crossing the road before speeding away, leaving them lying on the ground.
CCTV footage shows Abdullah Rasul stumbling around Bridgend town centre to his parked Ford Ka after a night out drinking.
Despite being offered a lift home, Rasul gets into his car and drives away before stopping minutes later to pick up five passengers on Market Street.
With six people squeezed into the small vehicle, Rasul then speeds down Wyndham Street where he hits two men as they cross the road to get into a taxi.
The victims, Andrew Hopkin and Huw Davies, can be seen flying into the air before hitting the ground, where they lie motionless. Rasul continues driving, leaving his two victims lying on the ground.
Mr Hopkin, who works as a HGV driver for Tesco, suffered a broken ankle and bruising to his shoulder.
The court heard he had to have an operation on his ankle and was unable to work – which had a knockon financial effect.
Mr Davies suffered broken ribs, a dislocated shoulder and a wound to his head following the incident on November 26, 2018.
He said he was unable to help his elderly parents, who rely on him.
Speaking in Cardiff Crown Court in December 2018, one of the passengers inside the car said the windscreen hadn’t been de-misted and was completely obscured.
A test revealed Rasul had 65mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath – nearly twice the legal limit.
Rasul, then 20, of Port Talbot, was sent to a young offender institution for two years and eight months and disqualified from driving for two years from the time of his release.
With permission of the victims, South Wales Police has released the footage as part of its winter campaign to target people who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Assistant chief constable Andy Valentine said: “Drink or drug driving is completely unacceptable at any time, and catching motorists who are prepared to take such a risk continues to be a priority for us.”
“In recent years the number of drivers choosing to use illegal substances and drive has been increasing. With new technology available, we can detect drivers driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs far easier than ever before.
“The message is clear – don’t drink or drug drive.
“If someone decides to drive while under the influence of drink or drugs, they should expect to be caught.”
More than 3,500 drinkdrive tests were carried out across South Wales last year and resulted in 179 arrests. Officers also carried out 141 drug wipe tests, resulting in 65 arrests.
Police intelligence suggests that drivers aged between 17-25 are involved in a disproportionate number of drink or drug drive offences.
The force will be carrying out targeted operational activity between now and January 1, with an increased police presence throughout South Wales.
If you suspect someone is driving while under the influence of drink or drugs, report it immediately on 101 or 999 if they are posing an imminent danger. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.