A WOODLEY man who seriously injured three people outside a Sonning restaurant in May last year has been jailed for four years.
Adam Garrett, 26, has also been banned from driving for 12 years.
A hard-hitting video released by Thames Valley Police following his conviction shows how Garrett has spent time in a pub drinking several pints before getting into his van and driving home.
First, he executed an emergency stop to avoid hitting the car in front of him.
Then later it shows the aftermath of the incident on the B478 Sonning Road outside The French Horn restaurant.
The court heard that at around 10.55pm on May 5 last year, a white Ford Transit Connect van driven by Garrett, hit Chris Redfern, aged 52, his wife, Cristina Di Carlo, aged 54, and Jeremy Rowson, aged 63.
Cristina sustained a serious head injury and had to remain in hospital for over eight months, while both men both suffered serious injuries.
Garrett failed to stop at the scene, but police officers identified the vehicle involved in the collision and arrested him later that night.
He was charged on January 17.
At a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on Tuesday, February 6, he pleaded guilty to three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, as well one count each of dangerous driving, careless driving, driving whilst using a mobile phone, failing to stop following a road traffic collision, a failure to nominate a driver, and driving with alcohol concentration above prescribed limit.
Prior to sentencing, he was given a curfew with tag from 9pm-6am ahead of his sentencing.
Garrett, of Loddon Bridge Road, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday, April 10.
In addition to his driving ban, he will have to pass an extended re-test before regaining his licence.
Investigating officer Sergeant Edward Crofts, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “I am pleased that Adam Garrett has been sentenced and admitted to his crimes at the first opportunity in court.
“He drove recklessly and dangerously, seriously injuring three pedestrians when drunk. His actions have caused life-changing injuries for which the victims are all still undergoing medical care and treatment for.
“What makes this crime even worse was that Garrett drove away from the scene with no care for the victims leaving them fighting for their life.”
He continued: “I hope that Garrett’s conviction and sentencing brings some comfort to the victims and their families and highlights the tragic consequences of drinking and driving.
“Garrett was given the maximum jail term available for causing serious injury by dangerous driving offence, which was then reduced to account for his guilty plea.”
Sgt Crofts thanked those who rushed to help Garret’s victims.
“I would also like pay tribute to the victims and members of the public who gave immediate first aid at the scene and thank them for their support throughout the investigation,” he said.
Mr Redfern said: “The last 11 months have been a living nightmare for my whole family with so many distressing and upsetting events.
“My wife had to spend over eight months in hospital and now faces a long rehab journey ahead of her.
“It has been extremely distressing to see the pain and despair caused to all my family.
“Whilst I cannot recall much of the collision, it has had a massive impact on all of us including our two teenage children, and I have no doubt it has altered our lives forever.”
He continued: “I often wish I hadn’t gone out for dinner that evening. The inconsiderate and dangerous ‘hit and run’ actions of a drunken driver has caused unfathomable pain, injury and psychological damage in so many ways and to so many lives that cannot be undone.”
Mr Rowson said he sustained significant orthopaedic injuries resulting in multiple surgical operations over several months, which are still ongoing.
“The irresponsible driving of this man affected our whole family, and we hope that the sentence will reflect the severity of his actions,” he said.
“He should reflect on the damage he has caused and the impact his reckless behaviour has had on our lives.”
