Car meet crash left woman with 'horrible' injuries

A driver who span out of control at a car meet and struck a pedestrian, leaving her with "horrible injuries" has been given suspended prison sentence.

Taylor Stacey, 20, of Wilnecote in Tamworth, admitted to causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Bristol Crown Court on Thursday.

He was given a 22-month jail term, suspended for two years ,and disqualified from driving for three years.

Police said Stacey hit a 20-year-old woman, leaving her with serious injuries in Avonmouth on 18 November 2023.

The crash, at the event that had around 40 vehicles on show, was caught on mobile phone footage which was posted on social media.

Avon and Somerset Police said a white BMW driven by Stacey clipped a kerb after he lost control on a roundabout on Poplar Way, causing it to spin 180 degrees and mount a central reservation pavement.

The car then struck the woman leaving her with multiple fractures, including to her skull, as well as other internal injuries.

Investigating officer PC Edward Walsh said Stacey had a "flagrant disregard for public safety that night".

"To carry out the drifting manoeuvre, Stacey deliberately placed the car into sports plus mode which reduced the traction control system," he said.

"Our thoughts and best wishes are with the victim, who suffered some horrible injuries from which she's still recovering.

"This case is a powerful reminder that while these meets can be a celebration for car enthusiasts, public safety must never be compromised."

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