A drugged-up dangerous driver has been jailed after he collided with a motorcyclist in Warrington causing them serious life-changing injuries.
Craig Pryor, of Robinson Road, Ellesmere Port, was sentenced to four years in prison at Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday 17 September for causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The court heard how Pryor was driving his grey Mercedes C350 erratically at around 9.20 pm on 26 May 2023, on Winwick Lane in Warrington.
The 46-year-old had gone to overtake the vehicle in front of him when he collided with a black Yamaha motorcycle travelling in the opposite direction.
The motorcyclist, a 42-year-old man from Woolston, suffered life-changing injuries.
The extent of the victim’s injuries has left the motorcyclist still receiving treatment more than 18 months after the collision.
Following roadside tests, Pryor was found to have by-products of cocaine and cannabis use in his system and was charged with drug driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He had initially pleaded not guilty to the offences but changed his plea to guilty just before his trial was due to begin.
Pryor was also disqualified from driving for six years, after which he must pass an extended driving test.
Following the sentencing, Inspector Steve Griffiths said:“When you get behind the wheel of a vehicle, you’re in control of a powerful machine, easily capable of causing serious injury or even death.
“Pryor completely ignored this, not abiding by the rules of the road, or considering the safety of others, ultimately colliding with a vulnerable road user who had been travelling on the same stretch of road.
“The victim has suffered tremendously, both psychologically and physically, as a result of Pryor’s reckless choices.
“I welcome the sentence handed to Pryor, and I hope he truly considers how his actions have permanently changed the victim’s life.
“I also hope this case can serve as a reminder of the long-lasting impact of dangerous driving, deterring others from the same fate.”
