Pair jailed for 'shocking' city centre hit-and-run

A speeding driver who left a pedestrian with multiple injuries after hitting her as she crossed a road has been jailed.

The 42-year-old woman was struck by an Audi A3 travelling at more than 45mph on Princes Avenue in Hull in the early hours of 31 July 2022.

Driver Luke Gough, 36, of Marfleet Lane, Hull, fled the scene, leaving her with a fractured spine, broken leg and a dislocated knee. He was jailed for five and a half years at Hull Crown Court on Monday after admitting causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

His passenger Gemma Johnson, 30, of Tanfield Grove, Hull, was sentenced to nine months, suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to perverting the course of justice.

Gough was given a lifetime driving ban after also admitting causing serious injury while disqualified, dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice.

Police said that shortly after the hit-and-run firefighters were called to a car which had seen set on fire in nearby Hopwood Close.

It was later discovered to be Gough's black Audi and had sustained damage to the front of the car consistent with striking a pedestrian.

Police said they established it had been travelling at more than 45mph down Princes Avenue, a 30mph zone, at the time of the incident.

Officer in the case, PC Fiona Graham said: "I still cannot comprehend that they actively decided to continue driving off at speed, even after striking the woman with such force she was thrown a significant distance into the air before hitting the ground.

"This was a truly shocking incident, and their reckless actions could have easily resulted in further casualties, especially since Princess Avenue is a known area for busy night-time economy.

"It is purely a matter of luck that this incident did not result in a fatality."

She said the victim, who underwent three operations, had been left with life-changing injuries.

"Through her ongoing recovery, the woman has expressed her intentions to raise awareness of the dangers posed by reckless driving and has given her consent to share footage of the collision in the hopes that by doing so, others will think twice before putting lives at risk, said PC Graham.

"I would like to commend the victim for the immense courage she has shown throughout the aftermath of this traumatic incident."

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