Liam Cronin, 23, jailed after 'crazy' drive ended in head-on crash on the A52
A "CRAZY" driver smashed head-on into a teenager's car after overtaking on a blind bend at 70mph.
Liam Cronin, 23, was "recklessly" overtaking cars and lorries on the A52 between Derby and Ashbourne on May 4, Derby Crown Court was told.
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Liam Cronin, 23, was jailed for six months and banned from driving for two years after he admitted dangerous driving
Alex Wolfson, prosecuting, said vehicles had to brake sharply as Cronin pulled in front of them dangerously to avoid oncoming traffic.
Mr Wolfson said Cronin, of Ashbourne Road, Mackworth, travelled through Kirk Langley and Brailsford – which have limits of 30mph – at speeds of up to 70mph.
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As Cronin got through Brailsford, he then overtook another car on blind bend.
Mr Wolfson said: "One witness, who the defendant overtook, said she had never seen such dangerous driving. As he overtook on the blind bend, a car driven by 19-year-old Megan Blake was coming in the opposite direction.
"She was with her boyfriend and told police they thought they were going to be killed. The defendant's car started fishtailing just before the collision. Megan could not get her car out of the way and there was a collision."
Cronin, who came into the dock on crutches, suffered a broken leg, kneecap, ankle and hip in the accident. Miss Blake suffered from back, hip and pelvic injuries.
Mr Wolfson said: "The accident has left her unable to ride horses, which she describes as her one true love. Emotionally, she says she has been affected and she is going back for further hospital tests in April next year. She hopes the sentence justifies the distress he has caused her."
The court was told Cronin was making progress from his injuries but required further surgery. His previous convictions include offences of burglary and violence.
Judge Hilary Watson jailed him for six months and banned him from driving for two years after he admitted dangerous driving.
Judge Watson said: "I think that you understand this was a particularly crazy and dangerous piece of driving.
"Miss Blake and her boyfriend were left frozen in fear, waiting for the inevitable collision and not be able to do anything about it.
"You drove with excessive and extreme speed, often at more than 30mph more than the limit for this road."
Nicola Hornby, for Cronin, said he had to spend three weeks in hospital and showed genuine regret and remorse.
Comments
by MrsChristmas
Sunday, December 23 2012, 9:51PM
“That's funny...thought i'd broke up from school but obviously not, still the same old bickering in the playground”
by painter39
Sunday, December 23 2012, 2:52PM
“get it in your head, not everyone is interested in cars, just surviving other drivers antics”
by painter39
Sunday, December 23 2012, 11:44AM
“Ok if it makes you all happy- he drove like an idiot and should be banned for life , and be made to eat his car in prison.also I'm very sorry for the innocent parties involved.
Is that a better reply for you all?
How boring”
by painter39
Sunday, December 23 2012, 11:40AM
“It was more of a generic nod to driving in general, if you drive on motorways and long bypasses during rush hour periods, you will notice that the BMW and Audi crowd tend to drive faster, cut in closer and behave more loutish than most other cars. Jealous? No , in fear of being trashed by a lout in an overpowered car? Yes.”
by digbypatch
Sunday, December 23 2012, 7:06AM
“Every time Painter comments on any story he just makes himself look stupid.”
by vidalbaboon
Friday, December 21 2012, 8:00PM
“I'd see to this weasel out of court....if you know what I mean”
by Georgiesmum
Friday, December 21 2012, 3:57PM
“Centurion040
I hate to break it to you but unless otherwise stated by the Judge, he will serve SIX weeks.”
by Baldbloke
Friday, December 21 2012, 3:17PM
“Painty,
Any experienced driver will tell you it's not the car that's the problem, it's the driver.
It's like you blaming your keyboard for making stupid comments!”
by Centurion040
Friday, December 21 2012, 3:00PM
“6 months (so actually 3 months) for wrecking a life? That is taking the p*ss.”
by Santa___Claus
Friday, December 21 2012, 1:29PM
“by painter39
"Baldy
Any experienced driver will tell you that"
Any experienced driver will tell you that everytime you comment on driving stories you make a complete Ass of yourself.
Your latest comment would indicate to me that you are jealous of those who can buy better cars than you.
What this story does show yet again is that speed is not a problem, innapropriate speed for the road/conditions is. Clearly this numptie has no idea how to distinguish, and instead of a 2 year ban, his licence should be cancelled with a requirement that he take a minimum 40 lessons in safe driving before being allowed to hold a licence again.”