‘Reckless’ drug driver jailed over Walsall crash that left man seriously injured

Renaise Monk was behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Polo when it crashed into a Toyota Corolla at the traffic light controlled junction of the Birmingham Road, Walstead Road and Bell Road

16:04, 08 Sep 2025

A 'reckless' drug driver left a man seriously injured when she caused a three-car smash in Walsall[1].

Renaise Monk was behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Polo when it crashed into a Toyota Corolla at the traffic light controlled junction of the Birmingham[2] Road, Walstead Road and Bell Road on June 8 last year.

The impact caused the Toyota to shunt forward into the rear of the Nissan, while Monk's Volkswagen collided with railings and a traffic light on the island.

One of the four passengers in the Volkswagen was seriously injured, however no one in the other two vehicles was badly hurt.

Monk, of Aldeney Close, Dudley[4], abandoned the vehicle but was stopped on Walstead Road and arrested.

Witnesses saw the 24-year-old retrieve two Nitrous Oxide bottles from the vehicle and discard them by a nearby wall.

Police manage to recover them, and they were presented in evidence at court.

Monk had bloods taken in custody, which showed she had cocaine and cannabis in her system.

During a hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court, Monk pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

She was jailed for 30 months on September 2, and banned from driving for five years and three months.

Monk was also told she would have to take an extended test when she's eligible.

Following the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Paul Hughes, from West Midlands Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "Monk was totally reckless in her actions and decisions on the day and not only chose to drive at speeds between 56mph and 64mph in a 30mph residential road but did so with drugs in her system.

"Drug driving and speeding are two of the major causes of collision on our roads and I need drivers to understand how the effects of drugs, both illegal and legal, can seriously impair your driving and decision making ability.

"One man was left seriously injured by Monk's actions and I hope that this sentencing sends out a clear message that this type of driving is not acceptable on our roads and if you are reckless at the wheel you do face the prospect of time behind bars."

References

1. ^ Walsall (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
2. ^ Birmingham (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
3. ^ Police officers left stunned after pulling over HGV driver on M6 (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
4. ^ Dudley (www.birminghammail.co.uk)