Yahoo News Bexleyheath driver who ran from horror A2 crash 'should be truly ashamed’
Police have said a driver from Bexleyheath who ran from a horror crash on the A2 should be “truly ashamed”.
Matthew Sparkes swerved across all four lanes of the A2 before crashing into the back of a Ford Fiesta.
One passenger in the Fiesta, a 40-year-old mum-of-three named Natalie, suffered a severe brain injury in the crash.
Her family have been told she will never be the same person again.
On Friday (April 29) we reported from Sparkes sentencing hearing, where he was given a prison sentence of three years and 11 months.
Kent Police have now released a statement from PC Lee Berridge, of their Serious Collision Investigation Unit.
He said: “This man got behind the wheel of a car knowing he was uninsured and then proceeded to travel in a dangerous manner without considering the safety of other road users.
“He caused a catastrophic collision due to his appalling driving and callously fled the scene, thinking only to avoid arrest.
“He left a young woman with life-changing injuries in the car he had struck and hid himself away until choosing to attend a police station with a legal representative, four days later.
“He should be truly ashamed of his conduct. I would like to commend the victims who have assisted us build the case against Sparkes and ultimately bring him to justice.”
Sparkes and his girlfriend, who had ordered six cocktails between them at a restaurant, ran away from the crash on foot and so he was never breathalysed.
The 35-year-old only handed himself in days later, following a police appeal in the press.
He claimed the crash was caused when he reached down to pick up a vape he had dropped.
Natalie’s husband addressed the court at Sparkes sentencing hearing.
He described his wife as simply his best friend, adding: “Our three beautiful children could not wish for a more loving, supportive and caring mummy.”
Addressing Sparkes directly, he said: “You cowardly and selfishly fled the scene for reasons which the court can only surmise, but we know.”
He said Sparkes had since tried to “buy their forgiveness”.
“Shame on you”, he told Sparkes.
