A former Peterborough councillor has narrowly avoided prison after crashing into a school wall while drink-driving at high speed, injuring four people. Shaz Nawaz, 47, of Park Road, Peterborough, admitted to dangerous driving and driving over the alcohol limit.
The incident occurred at 19:10 GMT on 16 March, when Nawaz lost control of his BMW while travelling along Park Road. Three children and a woman were in the car at the time. The woman sustained a broken arm, while the other passengers received minor injuries.
At Huntingdon Law Courts, Judge Jonathan Seely described Nawaz as a “lucky man” for escaping prison. He handed down a 12-month sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered 100 hours of unpaid work along with a victim surcharge of approximately £186. Nawaz was also disqualified from driving for 12 months and required to retake his driving test.
Following the crash, Nawaz recorded 80 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath during a roadside test, more than twice the legal limit of 35 micrograms per 100ml. Prosecutor Francis Ghaskin stated the vehicle collided with the exterior wall of a school after Nawaz lost control. Evidence presented in court, including CCTV footage and witness testimony, suggested he was travelling at around 80mph in a 30mph zone. Judge Seely described the collision as “very, very serious” and noted, “It was a miracle no-one was more seriously hurt.”
Defending Nawaz, Phillip Farr said his client made a “terrible decision” to consume alcohol to soothe a toothache, beginning before boarding a flight from Pakistan to the UK. Farr noted that Nawaz identifies as a Muslim and was embarrassed by his alcohol consumption, describing him as a “self-made man who gives back to the Peterborough community.”
Judge Seely acknowledged Nawaz’s exceptional character and positive references, describing him as a fair employer with no previous convictions. He does, however, have three points on his driving licence for a speeding offence in 2021. Nawaz formerly represented Park Ward on Peterborough City Council before stepping down in 2023 and has since left the Labour Party.
