The family of a man who was killed by a drink driver is joining forces with the police in Wales to help launch their annual Christmas anti drink and drug driving campaign.
Kieran Lea Arnold from Cymau near Wrexham, was killed following a road traffic collision in June 2012. The 21-year-old plumber sustained fatal injuries during the two-vehicle collision in which one of the drivers, Robert Bryn Williams, was found to be twice over the legal drink drive limit. After pleading guilty the 48-year-old was recently sentenced to five years four months imprisonment and was banned from driving for three years.
Kieran’s Mum, Mrs Donna Lea is helping North Wales Police as they launch the campaign on behalf of the four Welsh police forces.
Speaking during a short film created by the Force, Mrs Lea explained how losing Kieran has become a living nightmare for the family. She said: “Drink driving ruins people’s lives, it is total devastation for our family who now have been given a life sentence of living without our son, brother and grandson. It’s all been taken away by somebody who had the selfish attitude of thinking ‘you know, I’m going to have that extra drink’.”
“Kieran was a very popular lad who was well thought of by everybody – especially by his two younger brothers, Aaron and Steffan who adored him. He was a gentle giant who was very quietly spoken and loved his job as a plumber.”
During the 2012 Christmas campaign more than 500 drivers in Wales were caught over the drink drive limit after 35,493 breath tests.
Over the next four weeks, thousands of motorists face being stopped as teams from the four forces – North Wales, Dyfed Powys, South Wales and Gwent – conduct road checks at various locations across the country.
Gareth Pritchard, deputy chief constable of North Wales Police, said: “To lose a child must be one of the hardest things a parent can face and I would like to thank Kieran’s family for assisting us with this year’s campaign.
“This year’s All Wales Christmas Anti Drink Drive campaign will once again set about warning drivers that drinking and driving will not be tolerated.
“Drink driving is not just about Christmas. It ruins lives all year round. Perpetual drink drivers will choose to drink and drive any day of the year so we need support from the public 365 days a year to help us take these people off the roads of Wales.”
Susan Storch, Chair of Road Safety Wales said: “Unfortunately too many drivers are still prepared to risk driving under the influence of drink or drugs.
"No-one should be in any doubt that alcohol, in any amount, will have a detrimental effect on driving ability. Road Safety Wales’ partners are committed to educating people about the consequences of impairment, and fully support the police during this seasonal campaign, and throughout the year.”
Click here to read the full North Wales Police news release.
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