A company boss smashed up his £100,000 Ferrari in a 100mph horror crash while drunk and high on cocaine.
Darren Turner (46) was almost twice the drink-drive limit when he lost command of his Ferrari California at Oversley Mill, Warwickshire on July 23rd.
He ran straight across a roundabout, crashed into a lamppost and ended up on the wrong side A435 dual carriageway.
After visiting a pub, a court heard that he had been driving at more than 100 mph in his flash red sports car, which has an top speed of 195 mph.
Police released photographs showing the wreckage of the Ferrari, with its rear end severely damaged and its wheels buckled.
Turner was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where he was later breathalyzed. Tests also indicated the presence benzoylecgonine as a sign of Class A drug Cocaine.
He admitted to dangerous driving and driving with alcohol in excess and cocaine in his blood.
Turner, of Kings Norton in Birmingham, was sentenced to a year in prison and banned from driving for four-and a half years at Warwick Crown Court.
Darren Turner (pictured), 46 was almost twice the drink-drive limit when he lost control over his Ferrari California in Oversley Mill Warwikshire on July 23rd last year
After visiting a pub, he was driving at over 100 mph in his flash red sports car. A court heard that it has a top speed exceeding 195 mph. Police released photographs showing the wreckage of the Ferrari (pictured), with its rear end severely damaged and wheels bent.
Judge Andrew Lockhart QC, sentencing, stated that people mistakenly believe that offences such as these don’t have victims. The victim is the safety of the public.
“You could have caused a fatal accident by causing road traffic accidents, and you were putting others at risk.”
‘It was aggressive driving for a reasonable length of time, but one aggravating feature is your antecedents.
“Is there a reasonable possibility of rehabilitation?” Your past record does not support that.
“Plainly, this offending is so severe that only a significant custodial sentence may be justified.
The court heard that Turner, the boss of Turner’s Pallets and Recycling, based in Birmingham was just inches away from an oncoming car at the time of the crash.
Ryan Hodgkins, Prosecutor, said that he lost his control and hit the central barriers. The car’s front was lifted to the ground.
As the car bounced back onto the carriageway, the other driver had no choice but to take evasive measures near the Oversley Mill roundabout.
Mr Hodgkins stated that he reached the roundabout and crossed it. He hit a lamppost, then spun out of control.
Turner was hurt in the collision. Turner was given first aid on the spot before being taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
The court heard that Turner had been convicted of driving with excess alcohol, failing to provide specimens and dangerous driving.
Patrick Kelly, defending, told how Turner had even purchased the £100,000 super car while he was drunk following the breakdown of his marriage.
He stated that Turner had struggled with alcohol for 20 years and that he took over Turner’s Pallets six years ago after his father’s death.
He said that Turner had struggled for 20 years with alcohol. Six years ago, he took control of Turner’s Pallets. (pictured: Google Street View).
Kelly stated to the court: “He didn’t receive any counseling for that, and alcohol wasn’t doing it for him, so he turned towards drugs.
“His wife had put up to the drink, but the drug destroyed the marriage. The act of buying the car was stupid.
‘He bought it while in drink, and was paying £1,600 a month – and because he was drunk, his insurance did not pay out.
He doesn’t remember much about that night. He took alcohol, cocaine, and then got behind a wheel.
He should not have driven the car to the pub.
“Since the accident, he went through a spiral of despair. He overcame that and has remained clean and dry. He has learned his lesson.
He said that Turner was responsible for obtaining new business and that Turner’s 15 employees would suffer. Turner’s job security would also be at risk if Turner is jailed.
Kelly said that this was a night full of stupidity. He apologizes for all he did. He should have known better.