Drunk driver hit man walking dog in Shilbottle

Jun 4 2009 by Brian Daniel, The Journal

A MOTORIST who mowed down a dog walker was almost four times over the legal alcohol limit.

Danielle McKewon, 30, of Shilbottle, hit fellow villager Christopher Kelly, 45, and his Pomeranian dog which he was walking.

HGV driver Mr Kelly was “catapulted” over a wall and suffered serious injuries, including two broken legs, and is still recovering in hospital, Alnwick magistrates heard. The car ran over the dog, which died. Trainee social worker McKewon, of Hawthorne Terrace left the scene before police arrived.

But she was later arrested and gave a reading of 139 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, just under four times the legal limit of 35mg.

McKewon pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol, careless driving and failing to stop after an accident.

She was told she could face 26 weeks in jail. Prosecutor James Long told the court McKewon had been drinking in the Farrier’s pub in Shilbottle, then decided to drive home at around 8pm on May 16.

Mr Kelly had taken his partner Alison’s dog out for a walk from their The Haven home.

McKewon lost control of the Audi A6, clipped the kerb and mounted the pavement on Grange Road, hitting Mr Kelly. Mr Long said: “He says he was struck violently from behind, he has had a sensation of flying through the air over the wall.”

People who had heard the accident came to the scene including Evelyn Wilson who went to the car, found the engine still running and McKewon, still “trying to drive”.