Two newly-qualified teeanage drivers who went racing down a public road have been jailed over an accident that left a 15 year old girl with crippling injuries.
Harry Foster, 19, from Preston and Lee Catt, 19, from Preston were each given 16 month sentences, disqualified from driving for three years and told they must sit an extended driving retest.
Both had previously pleaded guilty at Preston Crown Court to charges of dangerous driving.
The court heard that Foster and Catt had been racing their cars at speeds of up to 70mph, driving within feet of each other and overtaking when Foster lost control of his car causing it to turn onto its roof.
A 15 year old girl was thrown from the car. She received serious head and pelvic injuries. The incident happened on 23 March 2008 at the Capitol Centre car park, Preston.
Foster had held a driving licence for just two weeks at the time of the accident. Catt had held his licence for just eight weeks.
PC Brian Greenwood, from Lancashire Police said, “We are determined to tackle reckless and dangerous driving in order to bring down the number of people killed or serious injured on the county's roads.
"In driving in this manner, Harry Foster and Le Catt showed a blatant disregard for the safety of others. Not only was driving at speed and in this manner a foolish and reckless act it has left a young girl affected for the rest of her life."
On sentencing his Hon Judge Slinger stated that it was the courts duty to send out a message of deterrence to those that openly drive at a standard far below that expected of careful and competent drivers.
PC Greenwood added, "Speeding and dangerous driving isn't something to be boastful of, and if people could see the consequences, such as the aftermath of road traffic collisions and how these can devastate lives, I'm sure they would consider these consequences before starting their journey."
Danielle, Preston around 2 years, 2 months ago