Paraplegic Learner Driver Crashed After Using Litter Pickers To Control Pedals

A paraplegic drug addict learner driver adapted a car for his disability - by using two STICKS to control the pedals.

Roy Story, 50, who has not passed his test, used a litter picker to operate the accelerator and a metal pole wired to the foot brake.

Police discovered his bizarre and dangerous customisations when the crack addict lost control of his automatic Saab 9-5 and crashed into two cars.

They immediately helped Story from the car and into his wheelchair - and were about to let him go after telling him he would be reported, before suddenly noticing the modifications.

Story claimed that a topless man who fled the scene had been behind the wheel for most of the journey as the pair drove 120 miles from London to Bristol.

He told police that he had only taken control of the vehicle as they left the motorway and drove through Bristol before the accident.

He smashed into two cars - both of them carrying children - at one of the busiest roundabouts in the city after jumping a red light.

Story lost the use of his legs after an accident and told police that he had suffered a spasm in his leg because of a urinary infection, causing his car to lurch forward.

He also explained how he had modified the car’s controls himself without a professional check, as there was ‘no legal requirement to.’

Story, has now been jailed for 14 months after pleading guilty to dangerous driving and driving without insurance.

Prosecutor Neil Treharne said Story’s car first hit a gold Honda Accord driven by Asela Jayasundara Kankanamalage, who was travelling with his daughters aged eight and ten, and niece, 13.

It then spun round and smashed into a black VW Golf being driven by Laila McKenzie, who was with her partner and their two children on the back seat.

Mr Treharne said: ‘Mr Kankanamalage watched as a topless male got out of the passenger side of the Saab and ran off.

'He saw that the driver remained in the driver’s seat, looking panicked, until the arrival of the paramedics and the police.

Story said he had paid £1,700 in car insurance - but was still not properly insured - and although he didn’t have a full driving licence, he was being supported by a driver with a full licence.

Daniel Woodman, defending, said Story’s offences had been caused by prolonged amphetamine and heroin use over a lengthy use.

He explained that Story was paralysed in an accident while undergoing treatment at an NHS hospital seven years ago.

Mr Woodman said: ‘After paralysis, he became involved in abuse of crack cocaine and recently spent 28 days in residential rehabilitation to address the issue. He would welcome support to stay clean.’

Judge Euan Ambrose, told Story: 'Your ability to control the vehicle was grossly impaired.

'There is no doubt this offence was so serious only immediate custody can be justified.’

Story was banned from driving for three years and told to pass an extended driving test.

A hearing will take place in April to determine how much compensation Story should pay to the crash victims.