The newly crowned Mr England has told how a nightmare spell in prison turned his life around.
Liam Royce Ulla – who will now take part in the Mr World contest – got six months after crashing his car into four other vehicles and a wall while trying to escape police in 2016.
He jumped from his Audi A5 and fled on foot, but was caught by DNA left on the airbag.
Liam said: “I was 21 and drinking too much. I was a daft young man.
“I was on an 18-month driving ban but I left a club and got behind the wheel.
“When the police tried to stop me, I hit a load of other cars and then ran away.
“Going to prison was a lifesaver. It’s not the holiday camp some claim it is. It was hard and made me take stock of my life.”
Now Liam, 28, of Sandbanks, Dorset, runs his own chauffeur business and campaigns to reduce plastic waste in the sea.
His not-for-profit foundation Coacoara produces a range of plastic-free compostable products, such as carrier bags, sponges, cling film and toothbrushes.
He is also the current British kite surfing champion.
Liam, crowned Mr Dorset in 2019, said: “I was over the moon about winning Mr England. It was humbling.
“I’d now like to do some work for a drink-drive charity, to show people there is a better way.
“I hope it will give me the platform to help promote my foundation and demonstrate to others that no matter who we are, we can achieve our dreams and goals.”
Mr World will take place in Thailand next year, Covid restrictions depending.
