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Video: 79-year-old drink driver ploughs through shop window hitting young child

The footage shows a six-year-old boy picking some sweets when a car smashes through the front window.

GM Police / YouTube

FOOTAGE OF THE moment a 79-year-old drink driver ploughs through a shop window into a young child has been released by police in England.

It happened on 29 May at Landside Wine Stores on Chestnut Drive South in Leigh, Greater Manchester.

The terrifying footage shows a six-year-old boy picking some sweets when, seconds later, a car smashes through the front window into the child.

The driver then tries to reverse, causing more of the shop to collapse on top of the car.

The boy’s family can be seen frantically trying to get to their son. Miraculously the young boy escaped with only cuts and bruises.

Today, a 79-year-old woman pleaded guilty to failing to provide a sample of breath and driving without due care and attention.

She was disqualified from driving for three years and given a 50 hours community order and ordered to pay costs of £170 (€214).

Sergeant John Brennan from GMP’s Road Policing Unit said: “This was a horrific ordeal for the young boy and his family. Thankfully he is alive and well but those terrifying moments will stay with his family forever.

When you choose to drive a car after having a drink, you are also choosing to put other people at risk. This family popped to the shop to buy some sweets yet found themselves caught up in somebody else’s selfish decision to drive while drunk.

“We have released this footage to reiterate the dangers of driving under the influence and the devastating impact it can have on other people. Please stick to none for the road if you’re driving. And if you’re having a drink, arrange alternative transport home.”

Read: Victims support group angry at decision to delay farmer’s driving ban to give him time to find a ‘nice woman’>

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Cliodhna Russell
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