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Grandfather suffers life changing injuries in pile-up on Snodland bypass caused by drug driver Paul Jones

A family was left devastated after a drink and drug driver collided with a tanker leaving a grandfather with life changing injuries.

Steven Sales, 61, had been on his way to work in September last year at 12.45am when he was caught up in a three-vehicle pile up on the A228 Snodland bypass.

Roofer Paul Jones - who was twice the drink drive limit and had nearly nine times the cocaine level in his body - overtook a Peugeot at the junction with Sort Mill Road in his Audi.

Paul Jones has been jailed for three years for causing the crash in Snodland. Picture: Kent Police (13127663)
Paul Jones has been jailed for three years for causing the crash in Snodland. Picture: Kent Police (13127663)

The court heard how his car then struck an oncoming tanker causing it to swerve into the path of the Peugot and struck it head-on."

The 34-year-old then fled the area as the victim was suffering from life changing injuries, Maidstone Crown Court heard.

Jones, of Alex Hughes Close, Snodland, returned to the scene later "swigging" a bottle of Baileys.

He was jailed for three years after admitting causing serious injury by driving dangerously - and banned from driving for four-and-a-half years.

Judge Adele Williams told him: "This accident caused devastating consequences for Mr Sales and his family.

The scene of the crash on the A228 Snodland bypass
The scene of the crash on the A228 Snodland bypass

"You also had cocaine and ecstasy - a cocktail of substances which was grossly irresponsible."

Mr Sales was taken to the King's College Hospital suffering from multiple injuries and has been left wheelchair bound and is now dependant on carers for his day-to-day needs.

Judge Williams added: "It is a miracle that he survived."

Tests also showed that Jones had taken MDMA, cocaine and traces of cannabis.

His barrister Syam Somi said: "This was a terrible judgement and irresponsible behaviour on behalf of a defendant who had panicked (after the crash) and turned to the crutch he was using to support himself at the time, alcohol and drugs.

"This was an error of judgement but he had only been driving two to three minutes prior to the crash when he was travelling from his father's home to the home of his wife."

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