Two miraculously survive as speeding Mercedes driver leaves cars mangled wreck
This mangled wreckage is all that remained of a car which was sent flying into the air after a crash at 80mph – as two people inside miraculously survived.
Thirty-eight-year-old John Wilds, acting with utter disregard for safety, slammed his Mercedes into a Renault Scenic whilst speeding past other vehicles and ignoring a red traffic signal. The impact was so severe that the Renault was sent airborne, eventually toppling onto its side.
The driver and passenger were cut out of the wrecked motor and were rushed to hospital but both survived. Wilds was unhurt in the crash which happened on Dinting Road in Glossop on December 4 2023.
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A court heard how his car was seen overtaking traffic on a road with solid white lines and on blind bends while travelling between 70 and 80mph.
As Wilds approached a set of temporary traffic lights, he overtook several stationary cars while the lights were on red and collided head-on with an oncoming Renault Scenic. The force of the collision sent the Renault into the air before it landed on its side.
The two people involved were quickly taken to hospital from the location. The driver required urgent surgery and an extended hospital stay. The passenger also sustained several injuries and remained in hospital for five days.
Wilds, aged 38 and residing on Hurst Crescent in Glossop, faces charges for two instances of inflicting grievous bodily harm through reckless driving.
Having pleaded guilty to the charges at Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester, he received a four-year prison sentence, a six-year driving ban, and will be required to pass an extended driving test once the ban is over.
PC Lisa Callaghan from Derbyshire Police stated: "Wilds' driving that day was far short of the required standard and was not just careless, but exceptionally perilous."
The accident occurred mere minutes before children from a local school would have been walking home, meaning his shocking driving could have resulted in an even bigger tragedy.
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His behaviour resulted in two individuals sustaining severe injuries, and the psychological impact of this event will likely affect them for a considerable time.
This statement highlights how grave his behaviour was on that particular day, and the effect it had on those who suffered. Driving dangerously endangers people and will be met with a strong response.
I'm satisfied with this sentence, and I trust it will offer some solace to the victims. I also hope it will reassure the local area, knowing that Wilds will be off the streets for a significant period.
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