Ex-rugby pro 'risked lives of others'

FORMER PLAYER IS SPARED JAIL AFTER SUFFERING A MENTAL BREAKDOWN AND DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS

- By NAOMI CORRIGAN

A FORMER professional rugby player was spared prison for an “appalling” dangerous driving spree after a judge heard of his “grim” and “pernicious” medical conditions.

On October 31 last year, Christopher Simpson-Daniel “risked the lives of others” after taking to the road while “highly intoxicated” on drink and drugs, Teesside Crown Court heard.

His BMW was seen hitting an Audi on the A66 from Stockton to Middlesbrough, mounting kerbs and also striking a learner car.

He stopped only when he collided with a warehouse wall at an industrial unit. Police officers had to wake him up after finding him asleep slumped against the airbag of his car. An officer who witnessed Simpson-Daniel’s condition that day said it was a miracle he didn’t kill anyone, the court heard.

Rachel Butt, prosecuting, said on approaching the Newport Interchange he veered out of his lane and collided with the rear of an Audi. He did not stop and was followed by a witness who called police and filmed the BMW, which had its bumper hanging off.

Parts of the clips were shown in court. “It is clear from the clips that the defendant's vehicle is heavily damaged while the defendant is continuing to drive,’ said Ms Butt. “As he continued along the road, he’s entered the junction and turned on to the wrong side of the road and multiple times, as seen in the video, he’s hit the kerb.”