Wokingham man jailed for drunken hit and run
Three people suffered serious injuries after Adam Garrett drove his van into them in Sonning
Last updated 11th Apr 2024
A man has been sentenced for causing serious injury by dangerous driving in Sonning near Reading.
Adam Garrett, aged 26, of Loddon Bridge Road, Wokingham, was sentenced to four years in prison at Reading Crown Court.
Garrett was also disqualified from driving for 12 years and will have to pass an extended re-test before regaining his licence.
Garrett pleaded guilty to three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 6 February, where he was given a curfew with tag from 9pm-6am ahead of his sentencing.
Garrett also pleaded guilty to one count each of:
dangerous driving
careless driving
driving whilst using a mobile phone
failing to stop following a road traffic collision
fail to nominate a driver
and driving with alcohol concentration above prescribed limit
Failed to stop
At around 10.55pm on 5 May last year, a white Ford Transit Connect van, being driven by Garrett, hit Chris Redfern, aged 52, his wife, Cristina Di Carlo, aged 54, and Jeremy Rowson, aged 63, outside the French Horn restaurant on the B478.
Garrett failed to stop at the scene of the collision but police officers quickly identified the vehicle involved in the collision and arrested Garrett later that night.
Cristina sustained a serious head injury and had to remain in hospital for over eight months, while both men both suffered serious injuries.
Garrett was charged on 17 January 2024.
Recklessly
Investigating officer Sergeant Edward Crofts, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:
“I am pleased that Adam Garrett has been sentenced and admitted to his crimes at the first opportunity in court.
“He drove recklessly and dangerously, seriously injuring three pedestrians when drunk. His actions have caused life-changing injuries for which the victims are all still undergoing medical care and treatment for.
“What makes this crime even worse was that Garrett drove away from the scene with no care for the victims leaving them fighting for their life.
“I hope that Garrett’s conviction and sentencing brings some comfort to the victims and their families and highlights the tragic consequences of drinking and driving.
“Garrett was given the maximum jail term available for causing serious injury by dangerous driving offence, which was then reduced to account for his guilty plea.
“I would also like pay tribute to the victims and members of the public who gave immediate first aid at the scene and thank them for their support throughout the investigation.”
Victims
Chris commented: “The last 11 months have been a living nightmare for my whole family with so many distressing and upsetting events. My wife had to spend over eight months in hospital and now faces a long rehab journey ahead of her. It has been extremely distressing to see the pain and despair caused to all my family. Whilst I cannot recall much of the collision, it has had a massive impact on all of us including our two teenage children, and I have no doubt it has altered our lives forever.
“I often wish I hadn’t gone out for dinner that evening. The inconsiderate and dangerous ‘hit and run’ actions of a drunken driver has caused unfathomable pain, injury and psychological damage in so many ways and to so many lives that cannot be undone.”
Jeremy added: “I sustained significant orthopaedic injuries resulting in multiple surgical operations over several months, which are still ongoing. The irresponsible driving of this man affected our whole family, and we hope that the sentence given today will reflect the severity of his actions. He should reflect on the damage he has caused and the impact his reckless behaviour has had on our lives.”