A disqualified driver who failed to stop for police before crashing into a family vehicle on the A350, leaving a 14-year-old girl with serious injuries, has been jailed for more than three-and-a-half years.
Patrick McCann, 34, of Walnut Avenue, Hillingdon, was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on Friday (26 June) after admitting failing to stop for police, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving while unfit, driving while disqualified and escaping lawful custody.
The collision happened on 1st February after officers spotted a suspected stolen vehicle in Chippenham. A police pursuit followed towards Lacock before McCann's vehicle collided with a Volkswagen Transporter carrying a family.
A 14-year-old girl suffered serious injuries and was taken to Southmead Hospital. Her parents and three siblings, who were also in the vehicle, sustained less serious but still significant injuries.
In a victim impact statement, the girl's family described the lasting impact the crash has had on their lives.
They said: "Since the collision, the impact on our family has continued far beyond the physical injuries sustained on the day."
The family said everyday situations such as passing road traffic collisions, attending hospital appointments or even watching scenes of crashes on television now trigger anxiety and bring back memories of the incident.
The girl's parents have both since been diagnosed with PTSD and said they now live with an ongoing fear for their children's safety whenever they travel.
The statement continued: "While we are profoundly grateful that our daughter survived an incident that could easily have taken her life, our family continues to live with the physical, emotional and educational consequences every day."
Investigating officer PC Paul Brewster, from Wiltshire Police's Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: "McCann's selfish and reckless actions caused serious injuries to a young girl, whilst her three siblings and parents also in the vehicle sustained lesser though not insignificant physical injuries.
"It is important to also note the psychological impact of an incident like this on a young family who were simply going about their day. My thoughts go out to them as they continue to deal with the effects of their ordeal.
"I am pleased McCann has been given a custodial sentence – this reflects the serious nature of his offending and should send a strong message to anyone who commits such offences that they will face prosecution and be put before the courts."
In addition to his 44-month prison sentence, McCann was disqualified from driving for 70 months and ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge.
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