Mother Jailed After High-Speed Crash While Under Influence Injures Four Children
Faye Dawson, a 50-year-old mother from Cheadle, has been sentenced to 14 months in prison after causing a serious car crash while driving under the influence of alcohol and cannabis. The incident, which occurred in March 2025, left four of the five children in her vehicle with injuries, including one who suffered a spinal fracture.
Reckless Driving and Boastful Claims
Dawson, who described herself as a 'bad b***h' and rally driver, was captured on CCTV making alarming statements before the crash. She was heard boasting, 'I am a rally car driver and a b***h. If you die I am not responsible. This is what I do every day on a Friday night after a drink. Now I am on alcohol and have had a smoke I am even more dangerous.'
Despite pleas from the young passengers to slow down, Dawson accelerated her Vauxhall Corsa to speeds of nearly 80mph in a residential area. She failed to slow for roundabouts, drove on the wrong side of the road, and narrowly avoided parked cars before losing control and rolling the vehicle.
Severe Injuries and Emotional Trauma
The children involved, aged 14 and 15, sustained various injuries. One victim was hospitalized with a fractured spine and required six months to recover from back pain. In victim impact statements, the children described feeling 'trapped and terrified' during the ordeal, with one stating, 'I genuinely believed I was going to die. I have suffered flashbacks and panic attacks.'
Another victim expressed ongoing anxiety about being in vehicles, along with nightmares and flashbacks, highlighting the long-term psychological impact of the crash.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
At Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Dawson pleaded guilty to dangerous driving. In addition to the prison sentence, she received a 55-month driving ban and must pass an extended retest before being allowed to drive again.
Judge Richard McConaghy condemned Dawson's 'appalling arrogance', noting that her driving was impaired by alcohol and drugs. He stated, 'It was a miracle that you did not kill somebody. You made a deliberate decision to ignore the rules of the road.'
Despite acknowledging Dawson's genuine remorse and her withdrawal from society, which worsened her post-traumatic stress disorder, the judge emphasized that the offense warranted immediate custody.
Aftermath and Remorse
Defense lawyer Robert Holt mentioned that Dawson has no intention of driving again due to the traumatic effects of the incident. Holt stated, 'She feels genuine remorse and empathy with the people in the car that night. She has no interest in driving again.'
The crash serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving and the devastating consequences it can have on young lives.
