“My sense of loss is deep, my trust in my world evaporated, my sense of hope gone.”

These are the haunting words of a cyclist run over by a drink driver after he got behind the wheel of his car while four times over the legal limit.

Steven Selwood, 43, of Longdene Road, Haslemere was sentenced to two years and three months at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, April 28 after he was convicted of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst over the prescribed alcohol limit.

He has also been disqualified from driving for three years.

On May 12, 2022, Selwood was driving onto West Street, Haslemere from the Waitrose car park exit road when he failed to give way, striking the victim, a woman in her 70s, as she cycled along West Street in front of him in broad daylight.

Not only did he knock her off her bike, but he also continued to drive his vehicle forward crushing her as she lay on the ground.

A member of the public initially stopped his vehicle, but Selwood decided to drive away before walking back to the scene. He was identified by witnesses and arrested by police.

The victim, who is still suffering from life-changing physical and mental injuries, as a result has allowed footage of the incident to be released as a warning to others of the potential consequences of drink driving.

The footage, which comes with the warning that it is shocking in nature, has been shared with the victim’s permission as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by those who drink and drive.

In an impact statement, the victim said: “Not a night goes by without nightmares. My life has changed considerably since I was knocked down off my cycle. I used to be outgoing, talking a lot to others, going to church, back-packing. I did my own DIY and gardening.

“I was never frightened of traffic like I am today, absolutely terrified with a strong feeling it’s going to happen again. My worst fear now is that my left leg will not hold me up through weakness which is happening more so these days plus my mental state is not too good. I don’t laugh anymore. I get overwhelmed with the everyday occurrences, not being able to deal with multiple issues.”

Investigating officer, Sergeant Joe McGregor, said: “This footage is shocking to watch but it may serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by those who choose to drink and drive. The victim would like to express her gratitude to the members of the public who stopped Selwood’s vehicle.

“The victim in this case has been left with lifelong physical and mental scars and has bravely said she wants her case to be a warning to anyone who thinks that it is acceptable to drive whilst under the influence. It isn’t. You are putting your life and the lives of others at risk.

“Alcohol limits are there for a reason and if you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, then call 999.”