Driver who crippled woman jailed

Stapleton said he was not racing, Exeter Crown Court heard

A driver who caused what were described as "horrendous" injuries to a woman pedestrian in south Devon has been jailed for six months.

Barman Scott Stapleton, 23, of Princes Street West, Torquay, left 49-year-old Barbara Bulley "largely crippled for her ordinary life" when she was struck by his Ford Orion in Torquay last December, Exeter Crown Court heard.

Stapleton, who pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to dangerous driving, was also disqualified from driving for two years.

The Recorder, Jeremy Brock QC, said the offence was so serious only a custodial sentence would satisfy the requirements of punishment.

Fog light imprint

The incident happened in Torquay at 0145 GMT on Sunday, 22 December, 2002. Witnesses described two cars "racing" in Union Street at up to 50 miles-per-hour.

Both vehicles tried to turn into Trematon Avenue but Stapleton's car "did not make it" and Mrs Bulley was trapped against a stone wall.

She suffered fractures of her shin bones in both legs, a fractured foot, knee ligament damage and had the imprint of a fog light on her right thigh.

Michael Brabin, prosecuting, said Mrs Bulley, who was "pinned against the wall by the vehicle", spent two months in hospital and underwent three operations.

Mr Brabin said: "She suffered horrendous injuries to her lower limbs."

Defence counsel Rupert Taylor said Stapleton was "adamant" he was not racing, but accepted he was driving too fast.

The defendant had not driven since the incident and did not intend to drive again, said counsel.

Mr Taylor said: "He wishes he could turn the clock back."