A Tragic Incident Involving a Drunk Driver
A shocking incident involving a drunk driver has left a community in grief after he caused the death of a cyclist. The event took place on March 5 last year when James O’Donnell, 35, was driving at a speed 33mph over the limit and struck 63-year-old Keith Hornby on a road in Huyton, Merseyside.
O’Donnell, seemingly unaffected by his actions, then abandoned his car at a nearby housing estate and walked off to purchase more alcohol. Merseyside Police later apprehended him as he was returning home. In a video of the arrest shared by the police force, O’Donnell is seen grinning and stumbling in the street as officers approached him.
Bodycam footage captured the intoxicated O’Donnell slurring his words and asking for his car keys and permission to smoke a cigarette. He even threatened to “kick off” when told no. O’Donnell appeared in Merseyside Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop at the scene, and driving with an alcohol level above the legal limit.
The 35-year-old was sentenced to 11 years and eight months in prison for his crimes. According to the police, after knocking down Mr. Hornby, O’Donnell turned his black Volkswagen ID5 around and briefly stopped to look at the victim lying in the street before speeding away. Mr. Hornby died at the scene due to the injuries he sustained.
Following his arrest, O’Donnell provided a breath test sample that showed nearly three times the legal limit of alcohol. Initially denying the offenses, he later changed his plea prior to trial.
Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, Lead Investigating Officer from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, commented on the severity of the case. He stated, “The decision by James O’Donnell to drive at grossly excessive speeds while under the influence of alcohol showed a complete disregard for anyone else on the road that day.”
Mr. Hornby was riding his bike on a route he was very familiar with. “As he enjoyed that sunny spring day, he had no idea a dangerous drunk driver was approaching him from behind at excessive speed,” said Det Sgt Roper.
Det Sgt Roper added that O’Donnell showed “absolutely no remorse or concern for what he had done.” Paying tribute to Mr. Hornby, he noted, “Mr. Hornby was the primary carer for his elderly mother and was just taking an hour out of his demanding day to get some fresh air and exercise.”
“Our thoughts remain with Mr. Hornby’s family and friends. I would also like to thank the members of the public who stopped to help and went to his aid and to those who have assisted this investigation throughout.”
In a statement, Mr. Hornby’s family expressed their gratitude. “On behalf of Keith Hornby’s family, I would like to thank the hard work and due diligence taken by the Merseyside Police, the CPS, and the Crown Court in delivering this outcome.”
“A special thank you to the community who immediately attended to Keith and assisted the Police in the apprehension of the offender. We can finally put this behind us and move on with our lives. A significant weight has been lifted off our shoulders and we can think of all the great memories Keith has given us all.”
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