A MOTORIST has been jailed for 18 months after smashing into a truck at almost 70mph in a 30mph zone, leaving a woman with life-changing injuries.
Five other people were hurt, including driver Jack Stowers, as he ignored his passenger's pleas to slow down and hurtled into a black Mitsubishi pick-up truck near the B1023 Kelvedon Road and Oak Road junction in Tiptree.
Sentencing the 22-year-old at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday last week, Judge Charles Gratwicke said: "It was merciful that no one was killed.
"Your driving on the day created a real risk of danger. You disregarded warnings from your passengers."
Police evidence showed Stowers, of Winters Road, Layer Marney, was driving a black Lexus LS400 at about 68mph in a 30mph limit at the time of the collision, which occurred at about 10.10pm on Saturday, August 3, 2013.
Jessica Dunn, 21, from Ipswich, who was seriously injured in the crash, said: "I would just like to say that the past ten months have been the worst of my life.
"I am glad that criminal proceedings are coming to an end today and I can finally start moving on with my life and putting this terrifying experience behind me."
She added: "I would like to say thank you to Essex Police and the other emergency services, as without such a great response I would not be here.
"I just pray that Mr Stowers has learned his lesson and realises that one single irresponsible mistake he made has scarred me both emotionally and physically for the rest of my life.
"I'm just thankful that we all got out of the car alive, and I hope Mr Stowers realises the severity of his actions and the cost to all our lives as we knew it.
"I am by no means at the end of my recovery but closer moving forward from today."
Miss Dunn had to have four operations and has been left with scars and burn marks from the ordeal.
Admitting causing serious injury by dangerous driving, Stowers was also disqualified from driving for four years and ordered to take an extended driving test at the end of the disqualification period.
Judge Gratwicke acknowledged that Stowers had shown genuine remorse.
Investigating Officer PC Rob Elvin, from Stanway Road Policing Unit, said: "The judge sent a strong message out to road users that the speed limits are there for the safety of all road users and the wider public.
"If you decide to drive in a dangerous manner in excess of the speed limits, the risks to life can be severe.
"The sentence passed is fitting on this occasion."
