A LORRY driver has been jailed for causing a crash that left two police officers with life-changing injuries.

Andrei Stan, of Romania, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court today (February 25) after the serious crash which happened on the A4 Bath Road in 2019.

The court heard how the 35-year-old driver was attempting a U-turn on the unlit rural road on February 27, 2019, about 11.40pm.

PC Matt Midwinter and PC Kieren Baker, of Thames Valley Police, were travelling in a marked police vehicle along the same road towards Hungerford.

Having just passed through Half Way, their police vehicle crashed into the trailer of the HGV carrying a shipping container. The trailer was positioned across the entire national speed limit carriageway at the time, and it was said to be dark and foggy conditions.

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The police vehicle struck the HGV which the court heard was across the carriageway for 51 seconds, up to the point of impact.

Stan, the driver of the HGV was not injured. However, PC Midwinter, who was driving, suffered significant injuries and continues to receive intensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

PC Baker was also seriously injured and continues to receive ongoing treatment, but has returned to work.

The court heard that Stan did not believe the manoeuvre to be dangerous and he would do it again.

Andrei Stan, aged 35, of Romania, was convicted and sentenced at Reading Crown Court. TVP pic

Andrei Stan, aged 35, of Romania, was convicted and sentenced at Reading Crown Court. TVP pic

Detective Sergeant Tony Jenkins, senior investigator officer within the Serious Collision Investigation Unit based at Three Mile Cross, said “This collision was significant and left two of our officers with lifelong serious injuries. The incident has greatly impacted their lives and that of their family and friends. Specially trained family liaison officers have supported them throughout.

“During the trial Stan informed the court he did not believe the manoeuvre to be dangerous and he would complete it again. Thankfully, today he has been convicted.

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“My thoughts remain very much with the officers involved and their families.

“I further wish to commend the response of all emergency services on the night and the lifesaving actions they completed.”

Stan was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty of two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.