A 44-year-old man has been sentenced to 32 months’ imprisonment after crashing into the gates of the Prime Minister’s residence while under the influence of alcohol. Matthew Wootten caused over £38,000 worth of damage when he deliberately drove into Victory Gate at the entrance to the Chequer’s estate in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. The incident occurred just days before the General Election, with Rishi Sunak serving as the UK Prime Minister at the time.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, Wootten made no attempt to slow down as he smashed through the historic 80-year-old oak gates, causing significant damage and injuring himself. He was found to be nearly triple the legal drink drive limit, with a blood alcohol reading of 221 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, well above the legal limit of 80 milligrams in England. Authorities also discovered seven cans of alcohol inside his vehicle.
Wootten pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving, damaging property, recklessness as to whether life is endangered, and driving a motor vehicle while above the alcohol limit in court. Celia Mardon, a Senior Crown Prosecutor, highlighted CCTV evidence showing Wootten intentionally speeding towards the gates, which coupled with his high alcohol level, led to his admission of guilt. Mardon expressed concerns over the risk Wootten posed not only to property but also to the lives of others through his reckless actions.
On October 30, 2024, Wootten was sentenced to 32 months in prison and disqualified from driving for 40 months at Reading Crown Court. The severity of his actions and the potential dangers caused by his drink driving behaviour were taken into account during the sentencing.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and the significant impact such actions can have on individuals and property. Wootten’s case highlights the importance of responsible driving and the potential life-threatening risks associated with reckless behaviour behind the wheel.
Authorities continue to emphasise the dangers of drink driving and the need for individuals to make safe and responsible choices while on the road to prevent harm to themselves and others. Wootten’s actions not only resulted in his imprisonment but also left a lasting mark on the Prime Minister’s residence, underscoring the serious repercussions of driving under the influence.