Police using crash CCTV footage to highlight dangers of drink driving

DRAMATIC footage of a car smashing into the front of a Brixham pub and seriously inuring the landlord forms the centrepiece of this year's police Christmas drink-drive campaign.

Publican Kevin O'Neill has given his approval for the CCTV to be used to demonstrate the dangers of getting behind the wheel after drinking.

Mr O'Neill, 53, was standing outside the Three Elms when he was flattened by a car hitting the porch.

He suffered fractures to his pelvis, back and ribs and needed plastic surgery.

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Devon and Cornwall police are using the shocking images of the incident to show the dangers of drink driving as part of its annual campaign.

Mr O'Neill said: "The police contacted me to ask about using the CCTV.

"I told them as long as it does some good, I'm happy to help.

"Hopefully, a campaign like this will act as a warning to people and stop the idiots."

The CCTV shows Mr O'Neill before the vehicle slams at speed into the front of the building, burying him under masonry.

Leigh Brennan was given 12 months in jail by a judge at Exeter Crown Court after admitting dangerous driving.

Mr O'Neill says: "I'm still struggling to recover from the accident and have had no financial help. I'm very disappointed with the welfare state. It has been really difficult.

"If it wasn't for friends and family, I have would have had to shut the doors of the pub."

As a result of the accident, he endured three operations, including one for plastic surgery to his leg. More surgery is planned after Christmas.

The campaign, which will run throughout this month, is aimed at highlighting the damage that can be caused by drink driving and reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.

Brennan, 45, from Brixham, lost control of his Volvo in March this year as he drove through the town at 60mph.

In July, the received a 12-month prison sentence and was banned for driving for two years.

Insp Richard Pryce, head of roads policing, said: "The devastation caused by drink driving can be seen clearly in the CCTV footage.

"There was a group of people stood outside the pub just moments before the crash and it is a miracle that no-one was killed and only one person was injured.

"The number of people who are killed or seriously injured by a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs is much too high and can be reduced."

Officers will be carrying out roadside checks in the evenings and early mornings.