Man jailed after crash which left victims with PTSD

A man has been jailed after a crash which left a 14-year-old girl injured and her parents with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Patrick McCann, of Walnut Avenue, Hillingdon, crashed into a people carrier with a family inside on 1 February near Lacock, Wiltshire.

The family said "many everyday situations now trigger anxiety" such as seeing other crashes, watching collision scenes in films or attending medical appointments.

McCann, 34, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Friday and was sentenced to 44 months in jail after he pleaded guilty to failing to stop for police, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving whilst unfit, driving whilst disqualified and escaping lawful custody.

The court had heard that a police pursuit had taken place from Chippenham to Lacock after officers spotted a suspected stolen vehicle.

McCann's car collided with a Volkswagen Transporter on the A350 and one of the occupants - a 14-year-old girl - was taken to Southmead Hospital with serious injuries.

In a victim impact statement, her parents said: "Since the collision, the impact on our family has continued far beyond the physical injuries sustained on the day.

"My wife and I have both been diagnosed with PTSD as a result of what happened and the accident continues to occupy our thoughts.

"We continue to experience anxiety around travel and road safety and our perception of risk has changed significantly.

"We worry far more about our children's safety than we ever did before and there is a recurring fear of losing one of our children."

As well as the custodial sentence, McCann was disqualified from driving for five years - 70 months - and ordered to pay a £228 surcharge.

PC Paul Brewster, from the Serious Collision Investigation Team, said McCann's actions had been "selfish and reckless".

He said: "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.

"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."

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