Wigan driver high on nitrous oxide hit woman before flipping car

A teenager high on nitrous oxide knocked down a pedestrian before her car overturned and ended up on its side in the road.

Louisa Tunstall, from Lowton in Wigan, was driving her white Fiat 500 along Newton Road in the town when she struck the 51-year-old woman, who was left with life-changing injuries.

Tunstall, 19, claimed she had been trying to retrieve something from the footwell of her car when the collision happened on 24 May 2024.

She was jailed for 20 months after pleading guilty at Bolton Crown Court to dangerous driving while under the influence of drugs.

The court heard Tunstall had veered on to the pavement before striking the pedestrian.

She admitted to police that she had been taking nitrous oxide, which is also known as laughing gas and is a Class C drug that has been banned since 2023.

Tunstall’s victim was left with life-changing injuries which still affect her, the court heard.

In a victim impact statement, the 51-year-old said: “I remember lying on the floor and looking down at my left leg and seeing blood dripping down.

“I looked up and saw a white car on its side.

“I do not remember feeling any pain at the time. I was shouting for help, I felt like I was whispering, it didn’t seem real.”

The victim said she was still not able to lead an active life and could not properly use her left leg.

Tunstall, of Bradwell Road, was banned from driving for two years and told that, in order to regain her licence, she would then have to pass an extended driving test.

PC Stefan Bielizna, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “It is clear to see the catastrophic effects the actions of Tunstall have had on the victim.

“The victim’s bravery… should be commended and we hope she can continue her recovery safe in the knowledge that justice has been served.

“It was made clear by the judge that drivers under the influence of nitrous oxide will be given time behind bars if they choose to get behind the wheel.”