A woman in Rhyl, Wales, was left lying in a gutter with multiple broken bones after being struck by a car whose driver did not stop to help. Sue Butterworth, 77, suffered two fractures to her right knee, a fractured right femur, cuts, and a concussion when Liam Davies, 29, hit her with his Audi in Rhyl town center on October 20, 2023.
Following the incident, Mrs. Butterworth spent eight weeks in a cast and had to wear a brace. Recounting the traumatic experience, she explained that she was wearing a bright fluorescent orange padded jacket while crossing the High Street. Davies turned right from Wellington Road and collided with her while she was midway across the road.
Describing the impact, Mrs. Butterworth said, “It is not an exaggeration to say I flew through the air.” She found herself in a gutter, confused and disoriented, as a concerned passerby informed her that she had been knocked over and had lost consciousness during the incident. Despite the severity of her injuries, the driver, Davies, did not stop after the collision, prompting shock and disbelief from Mrs. Butterworth.
Following his arrest, Davies admitted to causing serious injury by driving without due care and attention. Llandudno Magistrates sentenced him to a 16-week jail term, suspended for 18 months. The court heard that Davies had entered a “blind panic” after the collision, which led him to drive away without assisting the injured Mrs. Butterworth.
The incident highlights the importance of drivers exercising caution and responsibility on the road, as well as the impacts of hit-and-run accidents on victims. Mrs. Butterworth’s harrowing experience serves as a reminder of the need for drivers to prioritize safety and compassion in such situations, ensuring timely assistance and support for those in need.