Man jailed after fatal road traffic collision in Nuneaton

One of the pedestrians struck by Mr Whelan’s vehicle was a Nuneaton man who at the time of the collision was 26 years old.  He was thrown over the vehicle and sustained life-changing injuries. He was initially assisted by two members of the public who witnessed the collision and called the emergency services.

The second pedestrian, Nawelle Ormerod, aged 37 years from Leicestershire, was dragged underneath Mr Whelan’s vehicle for approximately 1km and was found severely injured on Marlborough Road, showing no signs of life. Attending police officers attempted CPR but Mrs Ormerod was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.

Mr Whelan’s abandoned and damaged car was discovered on Clement Street by officers and a short time later he walked to Nuneaton Police Station to hand himself in. 

Tests later confirmed the concentration of alcohol in Mr Whelan’s breath was 82 micrograms compared to the legal limit of 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.

A saliva test also indicated the presence of cannabis. 

Inspector Michael Huntley, said: "Pierce Whelan chose to drink alcohol, putting him at double the drink drive limit and smoke cannabis before getting into his car to drive that night. Associates who had been with him prior to the collision had ordered a taxi and repeatedly advised him not to drive. However, Mr Whelan ignored this advice and sped off in his vehicle prior to the arrival of the taxi.

"The tragic result of Mr Whelan’s actions should serve as a stark reminder to all drivers of the lawful and moral responsibility incumbent on us all when driving.

"Mr Whelan behaved in a totally irresponsible manner in driving whilst unfit and then failing to stop and remain at the scene of the collision, which ultimately led to devasting consequences.

"I would like to thank the members of the public, police officers and colleagues in the West Midlands Ambulance Service who responded on the night of the collision, in what was clearly a very traumatic and complex scene. I would also like to thank all the investigation team, who conducted a detailed and thorough investigation, plus the CPS who prosecuted the case in court.”

Pierce Whelan, aged 35, of Gillet Close, Nuneaton