Drink driver sentenced for hit-and-run on school group

A drink driver who drove into four teenagers out celebrating the end of their time at school has been jailed.

Just before 11.15pm on June 24, 2022, Hugo Andre Nunes Fernandes, aged 36 and previously of Corby, was behind the wheel of a red Vauxhall Insignia in Cottingham Road when he decided to cross over to the wrong side of the road and overtake a vehicle stopped at a pedestrian crossing, ploughing into the group of friends who were crossing safely.

Three of the four – two 18-year-old girls and one 18-year-old boy, were left in the middle of the road but one of the boys, also 18, was carried on the bonnet for a quarter of a mile with his head in the windscreen before he eventually fell to the floor in Alexandra Road.

Emergency services were called and all four of the teenagers were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

One of the boys was placed in an induced coma and remains in hospital. The boy who Fernandes carried on his windscreen suffered a fractured ankle, fractured elbow, fractured wrist and laceration to his face. One of the girls went through two operations after sustaining a displaced ankle, fractured pelvis and multiple breaks to her wrist, and a second girl suffered a cut to her chin, whiplash and heavy bruising to her arm and leg.

Fernandes did not stop at any point during the incident and his car was later found abandoned at Corby Boating Lake in Cottingham Road.

He was arrested a short time later by police officers and charged with three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, attempted grievous bodily harm, drink driving and driving without insurance.

At the beginning of September at Northampton Crown Court, Fernandes pleaded guilty to all the charges and at the same court today (September 27), was sentenced to seven years and one month.

Lead Investigator, Detective Sergeant Ryan Catling, said: “This was a shocking case and it’s difficult for many to believe that Fernandes didn’t stop to check on these young people at any point during the incident.

“This group of friends were enjoying a night out to celebrate the end of their A-level exams and the end of their time at school - having fun and looking forward to the next stage in their lives.

"They were crossing this road safely when Fernandes drove dangerously on the wrong side of the road and crashed into them.

“His actions had devasting consequences that night which are still being felt today. Indeed, one of the young men involved, an exceptionally bright and kind boy, remains in a care facility learning to walk and talk again.

“No sentence will repair the damage Fernandes has caused however I hope the conclusion of this case allows these young people and their families to move forward.

"They have remained so composed and courageous throughout our investigation and my thoughts will remain with them all as they continue to recover, both physically and mentally.”