A Shildon man has been handed a 27-month prison sentence after he caused a head-on collision when he crossed a solid white line to overtake another vehicle.
The incident took place on 9th November last year when Kyle Garforth, driving a VW Passat, drove directly into the path of Paul Bailey as he attempted to illegally overtake another vehicle on the Bishop Auckland bypass.
Mr Bailey was left with a shattered kneecap, while Garforth’s passenger and friend, Luke Mills, was left fighting for his life.
Mills was placed in an induced coma after fracturing his skull, however he remains good friends with Garforth.
The driver’s girlfriend also suffered whiplash, while Mr Bailey’s passenger was badly bruised.
Durham Crown Court heard that the 22 year-old was remorseful for his actions, but that he also believed Mr Bailey should have ‘moved out of his way’, having made the statement to his probation worker, who as a result branded him ‘arrogant’.
Judge Christopher Prince made it clear that he believed Garforth’s concern was much more for himself than for others, and stated that the court “has a duty to deter people from causing serious injury to other road users.”
After admitting two charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, Garforth was sentenced to two years and three months behind bars.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
