Drug driver who seriously injured moped rider in crash on Anglesey receives suspended sentence

A woman who crashed her car on Anglesey and seriously injured the rider of a moped whilst over the drug drive limit has been sentenced.

Leah Chelsea Thomas of Maes Canol, Abergele appeared before Caernarfon Crown Court yesterday where she was sentenced to 20 months in prison, suspended for two years and disqualified from driving for three years following the collision which occurred shortly after midnight on 27th October 2019 in Cemaes Bay.

The crash involved a Kia Stonic, being driven by Thomas, and an Aprilia moped being ridden by a 17-year-old on the A5025.

The rider sustained serious facial, abdominal and leg injuries and he was airlifted to Aintree Hospital in Liverpool.

Following an investigation by police, 25-year-old Thomas pleaded guilty to causing injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst over the drug drive limit after testing positive for cannabis.

Sgt Meurig Jones said: “Thankfully this was not a fatal collision investigation, however a young man has been left with life changing injuries and we wish him well with his ongoing recovery.

“Driving a motor vehicle is a privilege, not a right, and it comes with great responsibility to act within the rules laid down when you pass your test.

“When you deliberately ignore those rules as Leah Thomas did that night, you put yourself and other people at considerable risk, as this case shows.

“Drug driving is illegal and just as dangerous as drink driving. We will not tolerate people who think they are above the law.

“The drug wipe kit which has been around for a few years now, can detect almost immediately if someone has taken drugs.

“We work all year round to keep the roads of north Wales safe and take those drivers who break the law off our roads for the safety of themselves and other road users.

“I would also like to remind people that anybody who may have concerns about those driving whilst under the influence should contact us immediately – they could possibly save a life.”