Latest news with #BoltonCrownCourt
The Independent
15-05-2025
- The Independent
CCTV captures teen driver inhaling ‘hippy crack' seconds before horror crash
A woman who ran over a pedestrian just seconds after she inhaled nitrous oxide from a balloon at the wheel has been detained for 20 months. This CCTV footage captured Louisa Tunstall, 19, using the Class C drug, often referred to as 'hippy crack', while travelling in her Fiat 500 in Wigan, Greater Manchester. Moments later Tunstall's vehicle veered onto the pavement and struck a 51-year-old female pedestrian and then overturned on the East Lancashire Road, Lowton. The pedestrian sustained serious life-changing injuries. Tunstall, of Bradwell Road, Lowton, received the custodial sentence at Bolton Crown Court for possession of a Class C drug, driving under the influence of drugs and causing serious injury by dangerous driving, said GMP.
The Independent
15-05-2025
- The Independent
Driver inhaled nitrous oxide, then ran over pedestrian seconds later
A driver who inhaled nitrous oxide from a balloon, then ran over a pedestrian seconds later, has received a 20-month sentence. Louisa Tunstall inhaled the Class C drug – sometimes referred to as 'hippy crack' – while driving in Wigan, Greater Manchester, on May 24, 2024. Moments later, her Fiat 500 veered onto the footpath, hitting a 51-year-old woman, Greater Manchester Police said. The pedestrian received serious life-changing leg injuries. Tunstall, of Bradwell Road, Lowton, received the custodial sentence at Bolton Crown Court on Wednesday. She had been found guilty of possession of a Class C drug, driving under the influence of drugs and causing serious injury by dangerous driving, said GMP. She was also banned from driving for two years and eight months, and ordered to take an extended test. In a victim impact statement, the injured pedestrian said: 'I would like to say that this incident has had a significant impact on not only my life but my family's life. 'As I cannot get upstairs, I need someone to be with me all of the time and my daughter has become my full-time carer which isn't fair on her as she is currently studying at university. 'When I think about the actions of the driver, I feel like she has turned my world upside down. I have missed so much in my life, and I feel that she can just go about her business as normal with no understanding of the consequences for her actions.' Following sentencing, Pc Stefan Bielizna from GMP's roads policing unit, said: 'It was made clear by the judge that drivers under the influence of nitrous oxide, like in this case, will be given time behind bars if they choose to get behind the wheel. 'Being in possession and especially under the influence of nitrous oxide has similar effects to other drugs and can severely impair your capability to drive. 'There is no excuse for taking other people's lives into your hands due to the reckless and selfish behaviours that Tunstall has shown.'
Telegraph
14-05-2025
- Telegraph
Watch: Teenage driver inhales laughing gas seconds before hitting pedestrian
A teenage driver who hit a pedestrian after taking laughing gas has been jailed. CCTV footage shows Louisa Tunstall inhaling nitrous oxide through a balloon at the wheel of her Fiat 500 in Wigan in May last year. She lost control of the car seconds later and veered into a 51-year-old woman walking on the pavement, seriously injuring her. The 19-year-old was jailed for one year and eight months at Bolton Crown Court on Tuesday for possession of a Class C drug, driving under the influence of drugs and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. She was also disqualified from driving for two years and eight months and ordered to take an extended test when she is released. The court heard Tunstall had been driving on Newton Road in the village of Lowton on May 24 at 7pm when she swerved to the left onto the pavement. After colliding with the woman, the car overturned and caused life-changing injuries to her. In the aftermath of the crash, footage inside a patrol car shows a police officer telling Tunstall there is a suggestion she had been using the controlled drug. Tunstall stays silent in the video and can be seen looking away and fiddling with her fingers. She initially told officers she took her eyes off the road to retrieve something in the footwell, before later admitting she had been out to buy nitrous oxide to use that evening. The victim is still recovering from the injuries sustained to her leg, the court heard. In her victim impact statement, she said: 'Every night I go for a walk and use the same route. I usually walk with my daughter. However, this evening I was walking alone. 'When all of a sudden, I was banged into from behind, which caused me to fall to the floor. 'I remember lying on the floor and looking down at my left leg and seeing blood dripping down. I looked up and saw a white car on its side. 'I do not remember feeling any pain at the time. I was shouting for help, I felt like I was whispering, it didn't seem real.' She added: 'When I go past the scene of the collision in the car as a passenger, I now have to cover my eyes as I can't bring myself to look where it happened.' Greater Manchester Police's Roads Policing Unit said the use of nitrous oxide had become a recurring factor in incidents it attends. Pc Stefan Bielizna, who dealt with the investigation, said: 'It is clear to see the catastrophic effects the actions of Tunstall have had on the victim. 'The victim's bravery and support in this case to enable to pursue a prosecution should be commended and we hope she can continue her recovery safe in the knowledge that justice has been served. 'It was made clear by the judge that drivers under the influence of nitrous oxide, like in this case, will be given time behind bars if they choose to get behind the wheel. 'Being in possession and especially under the influence of nitrous oxide has similar effects to other drugs and can severely impair your capability to drive. 'There is no excuse for taking other people's lives into your hands due to the reckless and selfish behaviours that Tunstall has shown.'
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Yahoo
Victim of coercive control calls for domestic abusers' register
A victim of coercive and controlling behaviour has called for stronger measures to be used against domestic abusers. Stephanie Boardman was in a relationship with Franco Lucci for several months over 2023 and 2024, with the couple living together in Westhoughton. Lucci, 33, coercively controlled Stephanie, from Leigh, over the course of their relationship, including putting trackers in her car and smashing her phone against the wall. After she split up with him, he then stalked her, despite having been told not to make contact. Lucci, of Wigan Road, Westhoughton, was brought before Bolton Crown Court last month, when he was given a two-year suspended sentence for his abuse of Stephanie. She spoke to The Bolton News about his treatment of her following the conclusion of the case. Now, Stephanie is calling for more stringent measures on domestic abusers. She wants a facility more similar to the sex offenders' register, where domestic abusers have to keep the police informed of their whereabouts. Read more: 'You should really carry around a red flag to warn any future partners' - judge Read more: Victim of controlling and coercive man bravely speaks out after partner faces justice Read more: GMP secure first domestic abuse protection order She said: "I know it seems like a lot, but with the current state of domestic violence, it is needed. "For example, they might offend in one place and then move elsewhere and people won't know. I want more than Clare's Law. "It is highlighting the fact that it does happen. "Everything going on around domestic violence is escalating and something needs to be done." To sign Stephanie's petition, follow this link: A tool called Clare's Law does exist, which allows anyone who is worried their current or ex-partner, or a friend's current or ex-partner, may have a history of domestic abuse, to request a domestic violence disclosure from the police. In recent months, GMP have rolled out domestic abuse protection orders (DAPOs), which can be used to protect victims from all types of domestic abuse offences, including physical, sexual, or coercive and controlling behaviour. They are intended to provide longer-lasting and stronger protections for victims than powers already available. Stephanie added: "DAPOs are being brought in but police forces are stretched as they are." She suggested that the register could be run by the probation service, with domestic abusers reporting to them once every three months. She said: "I want to try and get the government to listen on getting this register. I think it will prevent repeat offenders from doing it. "If the police are aware of where a domestic abuser is, it will make survivors of domestic abuse feel a lot better." A GMP spokesperson said: "Officers are utilising recently introduced DAPOs as part of their arsenal of measures to tackle domestic abuse offences in Greater Manchester. "DAPOs – Domestic Abuse Protection Orders – provide greater opportunities to support victims and once they are in place, officers conduct regular compliance checks, to ensure the offender is adhering to the necessary conditions. "More than 100 DAPOs have been put in place since the pilot began around five months ago, with the breach of one being an arrestable offence. Eighty five per cent of stalking offences in GM are domestic-related, and the DAPOs are a further tool being used to help victims. "We are encouraging victims to come forward and report to us, however, wish to make it known that support is available whether you choose to speak with police or not." The spokesperson added: "GM Victims' Service stands firm in its offer of support to all victims and witnesses of crime, whether the crime has been reported to police or not. If you need support, reach out to them via the below contact details: "Call 0800 876 6155 (Saturday 9am-5pm / Monday to Friday 8am-6pm), email GMVictims@ The Ministry of Justice has been approached for a comment about Stephanie's petition.
