Drunk driver left workmate in coma after hitting him with van during 'altercation'

A drunk driver knocked down his workmate after they had been out watching a Rangers match.

Luke Breakwell and colleagues had been staying at the Sandylands Caravan Park in Saltcoats, Ayrshire, while carrying out their jobs as telecommunication engineers on May 18, 2022.

The men had gone to a nearby bar that night to see the Rangers and Eintracht Frankfurt Europa League final, which the Ibrox club ultimately lost.

After the game, the group got back in their Citreon Relay works van with Breakwell behind the wheel.

The plan had been to go back to their caravan, but Breakwell, 35, instead drove in a different direction.

A row then broke out between him and the 32 year-old victim.

Prosecutor Paul Mullen told the High Court in Glasgow that this then ended up in a “physical altercation” after the van pulled over in the street.

Mr Mullen said Breakwell made threats towards his workmate before getting back in the van and driving off.

As the others walked back to Sandylands, they spotted the vehicle again.

Breakwell had faced a separate allegation – which a not guilty plea was accepted – of driving on the pavement at the men, causing them to dodge being struck.

The court heard the victim ran up to the van as Breakwell then initially reversed.

But, he then moved forward, striking his colleague and knocking him to the ground.

Witnesses immediately rushed to the stricken victim’s aid with a 999 call also made.

Breakwell was heard stating: “What have I done?”

The unconscious victim was rushed to Crosshouse Hospital in Ayrshire.

He had a brain bleed, a skull fracture and a serious leg injury.

He was put into an induced coma for ten days and went on to need occupational therapy and physiotherapy.

The court heard he remains affected by his ordeal.

After being arrested, Breakwell said: “It was me. He is my friend. I did not mean to hit him. I have been drinking and I should not have been driving.

“I did not want to hurt anybody. I have never hurt anybody in my life.”

Prosecutors said Breakwell had 53mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 22mg.

First-offender Breakwell had been due to stand trial, but, via his lawyer Callum Hiller, pled guilty to assaulting the victim to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment as well as to the danger of his life.

Lord Renucci remanded him in custody as sentencing was deferred until November 18 in Stirling.