Mum and pram crash: Man jailed for dangerous driving

A man who crashed his car into a mother pushing a pram, causing her life-threatening injuries, has been jailed for more than three years.

Dale Clark's Toyota Rav4 struck Rebecca Sharp while she was walking near Redhill Park, Bournemouth, on 11 April.

She was able to push her baby to safety but suffered near-fatal head injuries, Bournemouth Crown Court heard.

Clark fled and left Mrs Sharp lying unconscious in the middle of the road, the hearing was told.

The Crown Prosecution (CPS) said the 36-year-old mother was still recovering from her injuries.

Clark, 38 and from New Milton, Hampshire, previously pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drink driving.

Speaking after sentencing, Andrew Coley, senior crown prosecutor for CPS Wessex, said the incident had "shattered the lives of Mrs Sharp and her family".

He added: "It is especially shocking that when Clark saw Mrs Sharp on the ground with her young child nearby, he chose not to stop and instead left her for dead."

Dorset Police said a witness to the crash memorised Clark's number plate before rushing to Mrs Sharp's aid with another driver.

Clark was later arrested and found to be over the drink-drive limit.

He also admitted in a police interview he had been looking at his phone when he hit Mrs Sharp.

Det Con Michelle Underwood said his actions have "left a mother with serious life-changing injuries".

She said: "It could have been even worse as it is only through pure good fortune that the young child was not harmed in this incident."

Clark was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison and was also banned from driving for six years, with an extension period of one year and 10 months.

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