Drink-Driver Nearly Four Times Limit Injures Two Police Officers
A driver nearly four times the legal drink-drive limit left two police officers seriously injured after performing an illegal right turn and smashing into their van.
The collision happened while the officers were responding to an emergency call.
The Collision on North Road
Michael Uncles, 59, of Tyndall Street in Butetown, Cardiff, was seen on CCTV clearly intoxicated at a Texaco petrol station just outside the city centre around 11.30pm on October 19 last year.
He got back into his Vauxhall Astra and pulled onto North Road. According to prosecutors at Cardiff Crown Court, Uncles approached traffic lights and turned right despite clear "no right turn" signs.
PC Thomas Lewis and PC Guy Russell were in a marked Ford Transit police van travelling in the adjacent lane with blue lights and sirens activated. The vehicles collided, forcing the police van into the central reservation.
Officers' Serious Injuries
Both officers were taken to the University Hospital of Wales. PC Lewis suffered a shattered wrist, two forearm fractures, a knee wound and bruises. He required surgery.
PC Russell sustained a shattered right wrist and facial injuries. Both underwent surgery and significant recovery time.
In victim statements, PC Lewis described the incident as life-changing. He missed his best friend's wedding and a family holiday, and struggled to play with his young son due to ongoing pain and anxiety.
PC Russell reported nightmares, panic as a passenger in vehicles, and feeling isolated after long periods off work. He said he genuinely feared for his life that night.
Sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court
Uncles pleaded guilty to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and one count of drink-driving. He provided breath readings of 127, 123, and 109 micrograms per 100ml of breath — the legal limit is 35.
According to court evidence, he has 25 previous convictions. In mitigation, his barrister cited family issues including his father's throat cancer diagnosis as factors in his drinking.
Recorder of Cardiff Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke sentenced Uncles to two years and four months in prison.
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Impact on Police and Road Safety
The case highlights the ongoing dangers officers face on routine emergency responses. Both victims described profound physical and mental health effects that altered their daily lives and careers.
Uncles expressed shame and plans to enter a rehabilitation programme.
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Key Takeaways
- Michael Uncles, 59, was nearly four times the legal drink-drive limit when he crashed into a police van.
- The illegal manoeuvre injured PC Thomas Lewis and PC Guy Russell, both requiring surgery.
- Uncles received a sentence of two years and four months at Cardiff Crown Court.
- Officers described life-changing physical and mental impacts, including missed family events and ongoing trauma.
- The incident occurred while police responded to an emergency call on North Road, Cardiff.
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