Motorist Injures Teenagers

A motorist who seriously injured two teenagers after crashing into them and then drove off has been given an indefinite jail sentence after being convicted of a string of driving offences.

Andrew Grove, 15, and Louis Haley, 16, who live near Newmarket, were both badly injured when hit by Daniel Vickers' Jeep while sitting on a grass verge in Cambridgeshire last year.

Cambridge Crown Court was told that Vickers was travelling at more than 100mph when he left the road and hit the teenagers. Vickers' Jeep hit one of the boys again as he reversed off the verge and sped off.

Suffolk Police officers estimated that Vickers, who handed himself in several hours after the crash, was more than twice the drink-drive limit.

Vickers, 32, of Newmarket, Suffolk, was given an indeterminate sentence for the public's protection after admitting drink-driving, dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident and other motoring offences.

Parole Board officials will decide when Vickers is fit to be released.

Stephen Nye of law firm Irwin Mitchell said: "The sentence handed down by the Court in this case reflects the severity of the offences committed. Excess speed such as this is potentially fatal, but the dangers are far greater when the driver is also impaired due to drink or drugs."

"Two young lives have been deeply affected by these criminal acts and they will still be suffering the effects of their injuries. Having acted on behalf of many seriously injured individuals in road traffic accidents, they will clearly now each be able to pursue claims for damages against the driver. It is hoped this will result in compensation to pay for the very best treatment and rehabilitation, to ensure the best recovery possible."