Drug driver crashed car

A DRIVER on drugs crashed and flipped his car on its roof which caused a serious injury to his brother who was a passenger.

Mark Bexley, 26, smashed into a lamp post on Glasgow’s Edinburgh Road on February 27, 2021.

Bexley - who was under the influence of cannabis - sped and undertook a vehicle before he lost control.

He was able to climb out the driver’s window as fuel leaked into the vehicle while his two passengers were trapped inside.

Bexley’s unconscious sibling Richard Swales and another passenger Casey Connell had to be rescued by the fire brigade.

Mr Swales was found to have suffered a fractured pelvis and face while Mr Connell sustained two broken ankles and a fractured skull.

The incident took place two years before Bexley was jailed for eight months for attacking a “lifelong friend” in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire.

Bexley struck the man in the head to his severe injury, which required hospital treatment.

He pleaded guilty yesterday at Glasgow Sheriff Court to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He also admitted driving while under the influence of cannabis.

Prosecutor Sean Docherty said: “A witness stated that he was undertaken by the vehicle on a bus lane and lost control.

“Bexley hit a grass verge and rolled then struck a lamp post which caused extensive damage to the vehicle.

“A witness heard a loud bang and looked out their window to see the black vehicle on its roof.”

Bexley exited the vehicle through the driver’s window while the two passengers were trapped inside.

He also acted “erratically” and told police that his brother was trapped.

Mr Connell was noted to be covered in blood, upset and stated that he could not feel his legs.

Mr Swales was unconscious in the meantime.

The pair were then rescued from the car and taken to hospital.

Mr Swales suffered from “lifethreatening injuries” and was bleeding as well as sustained multiple fractures.

Mr Docherty said that Mr Swales had fractures to his pelvis and face which required emergency surgery.

Mr Connell was treated for two broken ankles and a fractured skull.

Bexley suffered fractured ribs consistent with a seatbelt injury.

He was tested for drugs by police and found to have 2.5 micrograms of cannabis in his system when the driving limit is 2 micrograms.

The court was told that Mr Swales was in attendance at court with Bexley, of the city’s Shettleston, and is supportive of him.

Sentence was deferred pending background reports until next month by sheriff Gerard Bonnar who continued Bexley’s bail.

The sheriff said: “This is a very serious matter.”