Wrong-way driver Hadley Fry facing jail after ambulance crash in Sittingbourne High Street
by Julia Roberts
A motorist who drove the wrong way down Sittingbourne High
Street before crashing with an ambulance has been warned he
faces jail.
Hadley Fry, 23, was at the wheel of a VW Golf when he collided
head-on with the emergency vehicle.
The crew were treating a patient who had just tried to commit
suicide inside at the time.
CCTV footage played to Maidstone Crown Court showed Fry narrowly
avoiding a cyclist before he struck a lamp-post and the
ambulance.
The car, worth £10,000, had been bought for him and his
girlfriend that same day as a gift from his father.
Fry, of Whimbrel Close, Sittingbourne, admitted dangerous
driving along Milton Road, Dover Street, St Michael's Road, Station
Street and Sittingbourne High Street on August 3.
Although the sentencing hearing was adjourned for probation
reports, Judge Jeremy Carey told the self-employed floor screeder
he must not take that as an indication of the eventual outcome.
"This was appalling driving and a serious case of dangerous driving made worse by the fact there were people doing their duty and were put at risk..." – Judge Jeremy Carey
"This was appalling driving and a serious case of dangerous
driving made worse by the fact there were people doing their duty
and were put at risk," said the judge.
"The real issue is whether you should go to prison for a short
time to underline to you and the public how serious this offending
is.
"That is very much on the cards. I am not saying that to
frighten you but it is a reality."
Fry's father and girlfriend were in court and letters written by
each of them were read by the judge.
He said the fact the car had only been bought for Fry that
day showed "scant recognition" of his father's generosity.
Adding that he was fortunate to have his family's support, Judge
Carey added: "You should be ashamed of yourself that you have let
them down.
"Words of regret mean very little. It's actions that
count."
Hadley Fry drove the
wrong way down Sittingbourne High Street
Dale Sullivan, prosecuting, told the court the ambulance
crew were treating a patient who had just tried to commit suicide
when it was struck by Fry's car.
A police officer had tried to stop the vehicle as it attempted
to drive through a narrow gap between the ambulance and cars parked
at the side of the road.
Requesting reports, Adrian Rohard, defending, said an immediate
custodial sentence would have "significant and serious
consequences" on both Fry and his family.
The court heard that Fry was given a suspended sentence in 2007
for possession of drugs with intent to supply.
Fry will return to court for sentence on December 21. He was
released on bail and given an interim driving ban.
26/11/12
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