‘Selfish’ dangerous driver jailed after causing a crash which left 10-year-old girl needing leg amputation

A driver has been jailed for nearly four years after causing a crash which left a 10-year-old girl needing part of her leg amputated.

Anthony Wright was travelling at speeds of up to 78mph in a 30mph limit before the crash, and then failed a roadside breath test.

His white Audi A5 hit a Seat Leon being driven by the girl’s mother in Hempstalls Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyme, on September 16 last year.

The youngster, who was sitting in the back of the car, suffered serious injuries and had to have part of her right leg amputated. Her mother was also badly hurt.

Wright, of Bradwell Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyme – less than a mile from the scene – failed a roadside breath test and then failed to provide a further sample at hospital.

Appearing at Stoke Crown Court on Tuesday, he admitted two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to give a specimen of blood and failing to co-operate with a drug test.

He was jailed for 40 months by Judge Paul Glenn, and banned from driving for 64 months.

After release, he will have to pass an extended re-test before he can get back on the road.

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Sergeant Rich Moors, of the serious collision investigation unit at Staffordshire Police, said: ‘The family have remained dignified throughout this process at this extremely difficult time.

‘I hope that the result of today’s court hearing sends out a clear message to drivers to observe the speed limit and not to drink and drive.

‘Due to the selfish actions of Anthony Wright, a young girl’s life has been changed beyond comprehension.

‘I would urge motorists to think before they consider driving in a dangerous manner.’