Drunk driver jailed after causing serious collision in Epsom

A drink driver who was double the legal limit has been jailed after causing a serious collision in Epsom last year.

Shortly after 1am on Saturday, 11 May 2025, a Toyota Yaris collided with a motorcycle waiting at a red light on the crossroads of Epsom High Street.

The motorcycle rider was thrown from the bike and the Toyota Yaris flipped over, colliding with another car waiting at the junction.  

The driver of the Yaris was seen by multiple witnesses getting out of his car and walking away from the collision, with no concern for the motorcyclist or attempt to call emergency services.

He was pointed out to police by members of the public, and it was only when he was approached by officers directly and questioned about his involvement that he admitted to being the driver of the Yaris.

Having failed a roadside breath test, he was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving while driving over the prescribed limit.

Blood tests revealed he was over the prescribed limit of 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100ml of blood, with a result of 121mg. The forensic scientist completed a back calculation which suggested he was driving with 186mg per 100ml at the time of the collision – over double the limit.

The motorcycle rider was left needing multiple surgeries for their injuries and will require ongoing treatment.

Sergeant Adam Pegler said: “This incident serves as a reminder of how dangerous drink driving is. It is fortunate no one was killed but the victim has a long road to recovery – someone who was simply on their way home from work, whose life was changed because of another person's selfish and careless actions.

“I would urge anyone who would consider drink driving to remember this case and think twice before putting themselves and other people at risk.” 

The driver of the Yaris - Eden Mander, 19, (04/02/2007), of Epsom, was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on 28 May to a 16-month prison sentence for causing serious injury by dangerous driving. This will run concurrently with a four-month prison sentence for drink driving. He has also been disqualified from driving for three years.

Above: Eden Mander