A devastating street incident has left a health teacher paralysed and in want of round the clock care after a youngster crashed into her automobile whereas recording movies and utilizing his cell phone on the wheel.
Catherine Davies, a single mom, was ready at a junction on the A47 in Norfolk when 19-year-old George Taylor, from Stretham, Cambridgeshire, ploughed his Volkswagen Golf into the again of her Skoda Fabia. Taylor, who had held his driving licence for lower than 12 weeks, had been utilizing his telephone to make calls, ship messages, and file movies throughout the journey. He even steered the automobile along with his knees whereas overtaking different automobiles.
The collision in January final 12 months prompted catastrophic accidents, leaving Ms Davies paralysed from the neck down. Her accidents have been so extreme that she now requires a tracheostomy to breathe and talk utilizing an eye-gaze machine. She spent 22 months in hospital and solely just lately moved right into a specifically tailored dwelling fitted with life-support gear.
Sentencing and Court docket Statements
Taylor was sentenced to 2 years in a younger offenders’ establishment at Norwich Crown Court docket after admitting to inflicting critical damage by harmful driving. His sentence was decreased as a consequence of his early responsible plea and expressions of regret. He’s additionally banned from driving for 40 months.
Decide Anthony Bate described the case as “very unhappy,” including: “The defendant was utilizing his telephone a number of occasions all through the journey. It’s outstanding that the defendant didn’t collide with anyone sooner.”
In courtroom, Taylor apologised to Ms Davies and her household, saying, “I do know it doesn’t bear a lot within the state of affairs and I do know it gained’t change something. I want I had by no means obtained a licence and had by no means obtained a automobile.”
The Impression on Catherine Davies and Her Household
Catherine’s father, Jeremy Davies, shared the devastating impression of the collision on his daughter’s life. “She’s going to by no means breathe for herself once more. She’s going to by no means style meals once more. She’s going to by no means be capable of hug her son once more,” he mentioned. Earlier than the crash, Ms Davies led an energetic and fulfilling life, working as a health teacher, property planning marketing consultant, and private coach. She had additionally been planning to purchase a home together with her new associate.
Jeremy Davies added: “Catherine’s life was modified in a break up second, and I wouldn’t want that on anybody. My focus now could be to assist Catherine and her son as a lot as I can to make their lives as comfy as potential.”
A Stark Reminder of the Risks of Cell Cellphone Use Whereas Driving
Ruth Booy, a specialist critical damage lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, who represents Ms Davies, mentioned: “This can be a really tragic case the place a loving mum has suffered life-changing accidents on account of the egocentric and harmful actions of one other driver. The hazards of utilizing a cell phone whereas driving ought to by no means be downplayed.”
Lead investigating officer Sgt Callum Walchester of Norfolk Police echoed these sentiments, emphasising the avoidable nature of the crash. “It doesn’t matter how good a driver you might suppose you’re. Through the use of your cell phone, you’re risking the life of each street person you encounter,” he mentioned.
This tragic case serves as a harrowing reminder to all drivers concerning the penalties of distracted driving. The DVSA urges driving instructors to spotlight the risks of cell phone use behind the wheel, notably to younger and newly certified drivers. Instructors can incorporate this into CPD coaching and learner discussions to assist reinforce protected driving behaviours.
As Catherine Davies and her household adapt to their new actuality, her story stands as a sobering lesson concerning the life-altering penalties of a single second of distraction on the street.
