A Romanian lorry driver has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving to two Thames Valley Police officers.
Andrei Stan, aged 35, was convicted and sentenced at Reading Crown Court yesterday (25th Feb).
At around 23:40 hours on Wednesday 27th, February, PC Matt Midwinter and PC Kieren Baker were travelling in a marked police vehicle along the A4 Bath Road towards Hungerford.
This section of the A4 is an unlit single-carriageway where the national speed limit applies.
After passing through a section of the road known as ‘Half Way’, their police vehicle was involved in a serious collision with a heavy goods vehicle that Stan was driving.
Despite the foggy conditions and the road being unlit, Stan was attempting a U-turn in the middle of the road.
At the moment of impact, investigators established that the trailer of Stan’s articulated vehicle – that was carrying a shipping container – was positioned across the entire carriageway for 51 seconds.
PC Midwinter, who was driving the police vehicle, suffered severe and life-changing injuries.
He continues to receive ongoing intensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
PC Baker also received severe injuries and continues to receive ongoing treatment but has fortunately returned to work.
Detective Sergeant Tony Jenkins, Senior Investigator Officer within the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, based at Three Mile Cross, said:
“This collision was significant and left two of our officers with lifelong serious injuries.
“The incident has greatly impacted on their lives and that of their family and friends. Specially trained family liaison officers have supported them throughout.
“During the trial, Stan informed the court he did not believe the manoeuvre to be dangerous and he would complete it again.
“Thankfully, he has been convicted.
“My thoughts remain very much with the officers involved and their families.
“I further wish to commend the response of all emergency services on the night and the lifesaving actions they completed.”
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