Van driver jailed for causing Berkshire pile up
He was using his mobile phone when he hit stationary traffic
A man who was using his mobile phone while driving has been sentenced to two years and two months in jail for causing serious injury by dangerous driving in Woolhampton.
Dipansh Sharma, aged 23, of Westbourne Road, Uxbridge, was sentenced yesterday (10 July) at Reading Crown Court. He pled guilty to the offence during a pre-trial preparation hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on 30 April.
Sharma was also disqualified from driving for four years.
At around 5.25pm on Friday 21 July last year, Sharma was travelling along the A4, Bath Road, when he failed to stop for vehicles that had begun queuing ahead.
Sharma caused a multi-car collision that saw one vehicle pushed into oncoming traffic. This resulted in a further head on collision that left a 19-year-old female victim with significant life-changing injuries.
Five other people received minor injuries during the incident.
The investigation revealed that prior to the collision Sharma had been using his mobile phone and seen to drive erratically. He was arrested and later charged on 1 April 2024.
Devastation
Investigating officer DC Beth Trafford, of the Criminal Investigation Department, based at Newbury police station, said:
"Our thoughts remain with the victims in this incident, one of which still faces a lengthy recovery.
“Sharma’s actions fell far below those of a competent, careful driver and show the devastation caused when driving dangerously.
“I welcome the sentence imposed by the judge. There is simply no excuse for using your phone whilst driving.”