Drunk driver, 79, smashes into shop, misses boy

This is the dramatic moment a drunk 79-year-old drove straight through a shop doorway and ploughed into a little boy - who remarkably escaped unscathed.

Terrifying footage released by the Greater Manchester Police shows a six-year-old boy calmly picking out some sweets near the doorway when the out-of-control car, driven by Marion Smith, ploughs through the entrance, smashing the glass window and charging straight towards him.

The petrified youngster freezes in his path, unsure of what to do, before leaping backwards at the very last second.

As the car crashes into the shop shelves and comes to a stop, piles of items collapse around it.

This is only made worse when inebriated Smith attempts to reverse and the shop door slaps back down upon the vehicle bringing the driver's effort to halt.

Two horrified women - believed to be the boy's family - run forward madly scrambling to get to the boy and check he's safe.

Miraculously the young child escaped with only cuts and bruises and can be seen being carried to safety by one of the ladies.

The shocking incident took place on 29 May at Landside Wine Stores in Leigh, Greater Manchester.

Smith, 79, today 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 at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates' Court.

Sergeant John Brennan from Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) 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."