Man jailed after crashing and seriously injuring teenager on A350 in Wiltshire
The collision happened during a pursuit when police spotted a suspected stolen vehicle
A man has been sentenced to 44 months imprisonment after failing to stop for police and crashing into a people carrier with a young family inside in Wiltshire.
Patrick McCann, 34, of Walnut Avenue, Hillingdon, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Friday 26th June, and was sentenced after admitting failing to stop for police, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving whilst unfit, driving whilst disqualified and escaping lawful custody.
On February 1, a police pursuit took place from Chippenham to Lacock after officers spotted a suspected stolen vehicle.
The offending vehicle collided with a Volkswagen Transporter and one of the occupants – a 14-year-old girl – was taken to Southmead Hospital with serious injuries.
In a victim impact statement, her family said: “Since the collision, the impact on our family has continued far beyond the physical injuries sustained on the day.
“Many everyday situations now trigger anxiety for members of our family. Passing road traffic collisions, attending hospital appointments, or even watching films or television programmes containing scenes similar to what we experienced can bring back memories of the accident and the fear we felt on that day.
"My wife and I have both been diagnosed with PTSD as a result of what happened, and the accident continues to occupy our thoughts. We continue to experience anxiety around travel and road safety, and our perception of risk has changed significantly. We worry far more about our children’s safety than we ever did before, and there is a recurring fear of losing one of our children.
“While we are profoundly grateful that our daughter survived an incident that could easily have taken her life, our family continues to live with the physical, emotional and educational consequences every day. The effects of the defendant’s actions did not end on the day of the collision. Months later, they continue to affect our health and wellbeing, our confidence, education and family life.”
PC Paul Brewster, from our Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: “McCann’s selfish and reckless actions caused serious injuries to a young girl, whilst her three siblings and parents also in the vehicle sustained lesser though not insignificant physical injuries. It is important to also note the psychological impact of an incident like this on a young family who were simply going about their day. My thoughts go out to them as they continue to deal with the effects of their ordeal.
“I am pleased McCann has been given a custodial sentence – this reflects the serious nature of his offending and should send a strong message to anyone who commits such offences that they will face prosecution and be put before the courts.”
As well as the custodial sentence, McCann was disqualified from driving for 70 months and ordered to pay a £228 surcharge.