Dangerous driver who struck teenager and drove with her clinging to bonnet jailed

A man who ploughed into two teenage pedestrians and a taxi carrying a pregnant woman and her partner during a high speed chase has been jailed.

Macauley Tomlinson, of Bevington Close, Midsomer Norton, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Bristol Crown Court. He was handed a four-year prison sentence on Tuesday.

Police say the actions of the 26-year-old “changed everything for five innocent people”.

Officers were called to Hotwells Road at around 11.50pm on Saturday, April 30 following reports a man had pulled a woman into his car. When approached, Tomlinson took off and a high-speed chase ensued through Bristol city centre.

The driver struck two pedestrians after running a red light onto St Augustine’s Parade. The 19-year-old woman was thrown onto the bonnet of his silver Ford Kuga and Tomlinson continued to drive, carrying her around 100m. Police say that rather than stopping, the driver swerved the car trying to dislodge her as she clung to the windscreen wiper.

The student at Exeter University fractured her tibia and suffered grazing and bruising, exacerbating a pre-existing medical condition.

Her 19-year-old boyfriend was thrown about one metre by the impact. He suffered cuts and bruises and has been left with a facial scar.

Tomlinson continued onto the M32, where his vehicle collided with a taxi and one of the police pursuit vehicles.

It took two hours for a 34-year-old passenger to be freed from the taxi and police say he is still recovering from serious injuries to his pelvis, hip and wrist following two operations. His pregnant partner, 36, was also trapped in the car and continues to suffer back pain. The 38-year-old taxi driver suffered whiplash and ongoing back pain.

Tomlinson reached speeds of up to 80mph through Bristol city centre and 120mph on the M32.

His car was finally stopped on the Wellsway at Keynsham by police who deployed a stinger device to puncture the tyres. He tried to escape on foot but was being tracked by the National Police Air Service helicopter and was detained by officers on the ground.

Macauley Tomlinson of Midsomer Norton was jailed for causing injury by dangerous driving – photo Avon & Somerset Police

Officer in the case PC Andy Smetham said: “Tomlinson was driving at speeds of up to 80mph in on city centre roads busy with pedestrians on a Saturday night. He reached 120mph on the M32.

“He failed to stop even after colliding with two pedestrians and carrying a young woman around 100m on his bonnet. In fact, he swerved the car trying to dislodge her as she clung to the windscreen wiper.

“Tomlinson’s actions changed everything for five innocent people: a couple who should be preparing for the arrival of their first child, teenagers who should be pursuing their university studies and a man who has lost his livelihood. I hope this sentence will enable them to start rebuilding their lives.”

The incident was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to the police involvement prior to the collisions. The IOPC directed that there should be a local investigation, which continues.

Main photo: Avon & Somerset Police

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