‘Idiot’ driver left his friend with brain injuries in 100mph crash

Jamie Middleton lost control of his vehicle on the M62 at Castleford before the vehicle careered across the carriageway and rolled over a number of times before landing in a ditch.

John Smithson, 20, suffered “catastrophic” injuries and was on a life support machine for three weeks after the incident on December 28, 2013.

IT worker Mr Smithson had been preparing for a career in the RAF at the time of the incident.

He has been left with severe mental impairments and now requires 24-hours-a-day care. Mr Smithson is currently receiving treatment in a neurological rehabilitation centre.

He is now confined to a wheelchair and has difficulty moving his arms. Middleton and three other passengers all suffered serious injuries. Leeds Crown Court heard heat from the excessive speed may have caused one of the remoulded tyres to burst.

Middleton, of Ridding Lane, Goole, had bought the ageing Vauxhall Astra for £700 shortly after passing his test.

The incident happened as the five young men were heading to an event at the Xscape centre. Middleton was arrested but committed another motoring offence ten months later while he was awaiting sentence.

The court heard Middleton was driving an uninsured Volkswagen Golf through the Selby area when police signalled for him to pull over.

He sped off and reached speeds of up to 80mph on country roads through the villages of Whistow and Cawood until be was arrested in the car park of Scalm Park Golf Club.

Middleton pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and a further offence of dangerous driving.

He was sent to a young offenders institution for three years, eight months.

Judge Christopher Batty said: “(Mr Smithson) had his whole career laid out in front of him.

“But he and his family will now have to live with the consequences of your actions for the rest of his life.”