Man jailed for Minster roundabout crash that left driver with serious face injuries

Image Kent Police

A dangerous driver who left his victim with serious injuries after a crash near Minster has been jailed.

David Thompson, 38, of Kingston Close in Herne Bay, was sentenced to three years in prison at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday 1 September. He admitted to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and whilst over the alcohol limit.

Thompson has also been banned from driving for six-and-a-half years and will have to take an extended driving test before he is allowed back behind the wheel.

The court heard how Thompson was driving a Ford Fiesta along the A299 at approximately 7.30pm on Tuesday 3 January  when he failed to stop in time as he approached the Minster Roundabout.

He was involved in a collision with a Nissan Qashqai and propelled it across the roundabout at speed.

The driver of the Nissan, a man in his 30s, suffered a number of serious facial injuries and was taken to hospital.

Thompson was arrested by Kent Police officers at the scene after giving a positive roadside breath test.

Investigating officer PC Nicholas Webb said: “Thompson’s actions have cost his victim a severe amount of physical and emotional pain and he’s lucky to be alive. I’m glad that Thompson will now serve time in prison where he has time to consider the consequences of his actions and hopefully make better choices in the future.

“I hope this sentence serves as a warning to anyone who is under the influence of alcohol and is considering getting behind the wheel. It simply isn’t worth the risk. Mistakes like this can cost lives and I’d like to reassure the public that we will do absolutely everything within our power to bring offenders to justice.”