Show-off teen flipped car at 110mph on A53 leaving passenger seriously injured
Teenager James Crockford seriously injured one of his passengers after losing control of his car at more than 100mph while showing off. The 18-year-old took his friend and another man out in his Volkswagen Bora on the evening of April 2, 2022.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard he reached speeds of 110mph on country lanes near Loggerheads and his front seat passenger was not impressed, describing him as 'like a rally driver without the experience'. The next thing the victim could remember was the vehicle rolling on the A53 and him being upside down. He saw another passenger in grass by the side of the road.
The court heard the victim woke up in hospital and stayed there until April 8. He had fractures to his neck and mid to low spine, bruising across his forehead, a cut to his eyelid and bruises to both arms. He was placed in a neck brace and body brace and has since suffered flashbacks. A second passenger suffered concussion and bruising.
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The defendant - who had no licence and the car was insured, untaxed with no MOT - admitted driving at 100mph and believes he hit a verge. Crockford, now aged 21, of Chiltern Close, Bristol, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Tom Griffiths, mitigating, said: "He was 18 at the time. He was naive and was clearly showing off. There was an element of bravado involved. He has significantly matured. He is a low risk of re-offending.
"It goes back nearly three years. There has been a significant delay. To his credit he has kept some form of employment, working on a farm and at an abatoir. He does not present a risk to the public. There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation."
Recorder Jeremy Lasker sentenced Crockford to two years in prison, suspended for 18 months, with a rehabilitation activity requirement for 15 days and 150 hours unpaid work. He was banned from driving for four years.
Recorder Lasker said: "This was a prime example of the sheer bravado, recklessness and irresponsibility of youth. The victim continues to have issues with his spine. These issues, caused by your driving, are likely to have an effect on his life, both personal and in his chosen career, for the formidable future.
"I accept you are remorseful for what happened and I accept that as genuine. You drove dangerously over a prolonged period. I do not think it would be to anybody's benefit for you to go into custody immediately today."