A driver who caused a crash that left two people with life-changing injuries is facing 32 months behind bars.
Brian Taylor, 23, was speeding when he lost control of his Renault Clio at a roundabout on Cushycow Lane, Ryton, last June.
He left the road and collided with pedestrian David McLeish, 61, who was severely injured.
Taylor’s passenger, 19-year-old Bethany Oliver, suffered head injuries and was airflifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in a critical condition. The teenager remains in hospital and requires round-the-clock care.
“Brian Taylor was doing more than double the speed limit when he hit David McLeish and his actions have seen two innocent victims suffer life-changing injuries,” said Acting Inspector Lynne Mckevitt of the Motor Patrols department.
Taylor, of Springwell Close, Winlaton, Gateshead, admitted two counts of causing serious injury dangerous driving at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday. He was sentenced to 32 months behind bars and handed a five-year-and-four-month driving ban.
“We hope the sentence handed down by the judge today sends a message to those who speed on our roads,” said Acting Inspector Mckevitt, adding that this case “should serve as a warning to anyone else who thinks it is okay to ignore the speed limits on our roads”.
Northumbria Police ask anyone with information about dangerous or illegal drivers to contact them on 101 or call 999 in an emergency.