A teenager who filmed himself driving without hands on the wheel, causing a crash that left a mother paralysed, has been sentenced to 26 months in a young offenders’ institution.
George Taylor, who was 17 at the time, used his knees to steer his car while recording himself overtaking other vehicles.
He crashed into a stationary car driven by 51-year-old Catherine Davies, who was waiting at a junction in Norfolk.
The collision left her with catastrophic brain and spinal injuries, with doctors initially unsure if she would survive.
Life Altered Forever
Despite the severity of her injuries, Catherine Davies, a single mother, survived after extensive surgery.
However, her life was forever changed.
Now 51, Davies has been left with permanent paralysis from the neck down and requires 24/7 care.
The accident has drastically altered her daily existence, as she now lives in a specially adapted home, relying on life-support equipment.
Before the crash, Davies led an active life as a fitness instructor, worked in retail, and ran fitness classes.
She also had a 10-year-old son, who now faces the heartbreaking reality of his mother’s condition.
The Dangers of Reckless Driving
The crash occurred on January 18 of last year, when Davies was waiting at a junction on the A47 in Norfolk.
Taylor, driving his VW Golf, failed to react in time and collided with her car.
During the investigation, Norfolk Police discovered videos and photos of Taylor driving recklessly, using his phone while overtaking vehicles.
At the time of the crash, Taylor told police he had been reaching for his vape, causing him to lose focus on the road.
Judge Anthony Bate, who sentenced Taylor, described the case as “very sad” and pointed out that it was “remarkable” Taylor didn’t cause a crash sooner due to his distractions.
Taylor pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was sentenced to 26 months, with a 40-month driving ban. The maximum sentence for such an offence is five years.
The Impact on Catherine’s Family
Catherine’s father, Jeremy, spoke about the long-lasting effects on his daughter and their family.
The 76-year-old retired civil servant said, “Catherine’s life was changed in a split second, and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”
He went on to highlight the trauma his family has faced over the past 22 months, as they navigated her extensive hospital stays and uncertain future.
Jeremy also urged other drivers to understand the risks of not focusing on the road, sharing his personal experience of nearly losing his daughter.
Apology and Remorse
Taylor, now 19, expressed regret for his actions during the hearing.
He admitted that his reckless driving had caused irreparable harm and apologized to Davies and her family, acknowledging that his apology could never undo the damage.
His partner, who is expecting their first child, was also mentioned during the hearing, as Taylor reflected on the consequences his actions would have on both his life and his family’s future.
Legal Expert’s Perspective
Ruth Booy, a lawyer representing Catherine Davies, described the incident as a tragic reminder of the dangers of using a mobile phone while driving.
She noted that “Catherine’s life-changing injuries are the direct result of the selfish actions of another driver.”
The case serves as a stark warning about the consequences of distracted driving and its impact on victims and their families.
Sgt Callum Walchester from Norfolk Police, who led the investigation, emphasized the avoidable nature of the collision, stressing that it was Taylor’s repeated use of his mobile phone that ultimately led to the crash.
He urged all drivers to recognize the inherent dangers of distracted driving and how it can ruin lives in an instant.
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