A speeding driver who seriously injured a police officer while he was on a training run for a race has been jailed for two years and three months.

The impact of the accident on John Dyos was said to be “catastrophic”.

The victim, who was a police detective constable, was out for his last run before competing in a half marathon his daughter had entered him for as a birthday present.

He was struck by Daniel Hadler’s Mercedes CLK 320 in London Road, Sittingbourne, on the evening of October 7, 2013.

Mr Dyos was crossing the road by the Coniston Hotel towards the Shell petrol station opposite.

Witnesses told of hearing a loud bang. He was catapulted into the air for about 25 metres and suffered a severe head injury with bruising to the brain, collapsed lungs and multiple fractures.

One witness said Hadler got out of his car and put his hands to his head. Mr Dyos was lying on the pavement. His headphones were nearby.

“The consequences of your failure to observe the speed limit are very grave indeed...” - Judge Andrew Goymer

Hadler, who served in the Royal Navy, said: “He just ran out in front of me.”

He told an officer he saw Mr Dyos run across the road, adding: “He didn’t even look. I braked, but not enough.”

Prosecutor Bridget Todd said it was estimated that Hadler, 35, was travelling at about 49mph in the 30mph zone.

It was discovered that his iPhone had been in use at the time of the accident, but an expert stated it could have just been downloading data.

Hadler nevertheless tried to obstruct the investigation by telling police he did not have the phone with him at the time and then failing to hand it over.

The father-of-three denied he had been using the phone and later claimed he had thrown it away. It has never been found.

The victim was taken to London’s King’s College Hospital and admitted to the major trauma unit.

He needed surgery for a fractured skull with bruising to the brain, multiple rib fractures, and a fractured pelvis and lower left leg. Both lungs had collapsed.

He was there for seven weeks before being transferred to Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

Hadler, of Whimbrel Close, Sittingbourne, denied causing serious injury by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice, but was convicted.

He was banned from driving for three years and will have to take an extended test before his licence is returned.

Judge Andrew Goymer told Hadler: “The consequences of your failure to observe the speed limit are very grave indeed.”

Hadler was sentenced to two years for dangerous driving and three months to run consecutively for perverting the course of justice.

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