Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday 30th April 2025 at 11:35hrs
A man who drove his car along Blackpool promenade’s tram tracks while drunk, seriously injuring a woman, has been jailed.
Stephen Walkinshaw, 44, of Danebridge Place, Congleton, Cheshire, was sentenced last week to three years in prison and will be banned from driving for seven years following his release.
The incident occurred shortly after 11:30 pm on Friday, September 29th, 2023.
Walkinshaw, who had spent the afternoon drinking in a local pub, was driving his Jaguar F-Pace along the tram tracks when he struck a woman in her 40s.
The victim was walking with her partner, enjoying a short holiday in the resort at the time.
Travelling at approximately 30mph in an area restricted to trams and authorised vehicles, Walkinshaw was over the prescribed alcohol limit when his car collided with the pedestrian.
The impact caused extensive and life-changing lower limb injuries to the woman, requiring ongoing medical treatment.
In a victim personal statement, the injured woman detailed how the collision had profoundly altered her and her family’s lives, adding that she continues to suffer from both physical and mental pain.
Despite the significant damage sustained by his Jaguar, Walkinshaw failed to stop at the scene and continued driving north along the tram tracks. A police patrol, initially unaware of the collision, later spotted his vehicle.
Walkinshaw failed to stop for the officers, leading to a brief pursuit before he was apprehended and arrested.
Walkinshaw admitted to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Sergeant Dan Gunn, of the Roads Policing Unit, expressed his sympathy for the victim and her family.
“My thoughts today are first and foremost with the victim of this horrendous collision. She suffered some significant injuries which require ongoing treatment, and the collision has had a huge impact on her and her family.
I hope that this result gives her some closure and enables her to focus on her ongoing recovery,” he said.
Sgt Gunn condemned Walkinshaw’s actions, stating, “Walkinshaw was both over the drink drive limit and driving in an area restricted for trams when he ran down the victim and to compound his offending he failed to stop at the scene.”
He welcomed the sentence, acknowledging the “quality and strength of the prosecution case” and thanking all those involved in the investigation.
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