Scott Ford Was Fleeing The Scene Of Another Road Accident When He Crashed Into Jack

The mother of a young man who had to be placed in an induced coma by doctors following the car he was travelling in being hit by a drunk-driver, has said she hopes her son will now be able to focus on his rehabilitation after seeing the driver responsible sentenced to 20 months in prison and banned from driving for three ears.

Jack Marshall, 11, suffered broken arms, fractured ribs, a broken leg and a shattered pelvis when drunk-driver Scott Ford crashed into the car being driven by Jack’s grandmother Susan Sykes, 61.

The accident happened on 26th June last year and Ford, 31 from Shiregreen, Sheffield, was arrested at the scene. Mr Ford was fleeing the scene of another accident when the crash occurred. 

He pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of alcohol. He also pleaded guilty to careless driving and failing to stop and report an accident in relation to the collision prior to him crashing into Susan’s car.

Today, at Sheffield Crown Court, he was sentenced to 20 months for the charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, along with concurrent 4 month sentences for drink driving and careless driving. He was also banned for three years, to start on his release from prison. 

Rebecca Marshall, Jack’s mum, said: “It has been a tough time since the accident, especially immediately after as Jack’s horrendous injuries left him fighting for his life.

“He has shown so much strength that I am constantly in awe of him and so proud of him. I am extremely thankful that he has kept his sense of humour and his cheeky smile, even though I know he can get frustrated at times that he still can’t do many things he previously had taken for granted.

“I’m relieved we were here today to be able to hear the driver sentenced for the offences he committed and that Jack has been able to see justice be done. I hope Jack will now be able to continue his rehabilitation and try and move on with his life and make a full recovery.”

Lawyers at Irwin Mitchell recently secured an interim payment for Jack as part of his rehabilitation package. They will now continue to work for Jack, who still needs crutches or wheelchair as his recovery progresses, to ensure he receives a full settlement to help cover the costs of his rehabilitation.

Christopher Kardahji, the expert serious injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who is representing Jack, said: 

If you or a loved one has been injured in car accident, our car accident solicitors could help you claim compensation. Visit our Road Traffic Accident Compensation page for more information.