July 5th 2024.
A young mother, Keira Ridler, has been sentenced to jail for causing serious injury by dangerous driving. It was a tragic incident that occurred during an illegal car meet where she was showing off her driving skills. The 26-year-old lost control of her Nissan Juke, speeding at a whopping 70mph - more than double the speed limit. The reckless driving led to a collision with a Volkswagen Golf and eventually crashing into a pedestrian, Christopher Rakestraw.
The court heard that Mr. Rakestraw, who was just 24 years old at the time, was left with life-altering injuries that required constant care. In fact, he was so devastated by the catastrophic injuries that he pleaded with the people around him to end his suffering. As a result of the accident, he has lost all function in his limbs and is now completely dependent on a team of six caregivers, who provide him with round-the-clock care.
Ridler, who hails from Wrexham, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving in the September 2021 incident in Flint, North Wales. During her plea, she begged the judge to suspend her sentence, citing her 15-month-old child as a reason. However, her request was denied, with the judge deeming the case too serious. The court was informed that although Ridler was not racing with the other drivers, she repeatedly drove at excessive speeds, far beyond the legal limit.
The first victim of Ridler's reckless driving was Ellie Blower, the driver of the VW Golf. She was injured as a result of the collision and suffered a fractured wrist and ankle. When the judge announced that Ridler would be going to prison, she broke down in tears.
The court was told that Mr. Rakestraw spent a year in the hospital and now lives in a specially adapted bungalow. Unfortunately, he is likely to remain bedridden or confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. In her defense, Ridler's lawyer, Richard Dawson, stated that she had attended the car meet because of her love for cars. He also acknowledged that it was an illegal gathering, but Ridler was deeply remorseful and wanted to apologize for the tragic outcome.
Judge Niclas Parry, however, was unforgiving in his sentencing. He stated that Ridler's sole purpose of attending the event was to show off and attract attention. She drove at high speeds, far beyond the legal limit, on a road with a speed limit of just 30mph. The judge described the consequences of her reckless actions as catastrophic and handed down a 20-month sentence. Ridler was also banned from driving for two years and ten months, and she must pass an extended retest before she can drive again.
In conclusion, the court recognized that this was a tragic case that had devastating consequences for all those involved. Ridler, who had no prior criminal record and a clean driving record, will have to live with the guilt and separation from her young child. However, the judge emphasized that the punishment was necessary to send a message that dangerous driving will not be tolerated.
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