Sutton driver tried to blame motorbiker after injuring him in police chase

Jason Collins turned right on to Unwin Road without looking and hit the rider, catapulting him from his bike, on October 16, 2021, at 1.30am, Nottingham Crown Court heard.

Andy Peet, prosecuting, said Collins instantly revved the engine and drove off with a smashed windscreen and a large dent in his Vauxhall Vectra.

When he was arrested at his father’s house with a bottle of beer in his hand, Collins told police: “It was their fault. He was travelling too fast. You made me do this.”

He continued to lie and blamed a fictitious female driver, but no such person was seen.

Police began following him after they saw him acting suspiciously while parked on Eastfield Side and Collins fled, ignoring Keep Left signs and driving straight across junctions.

Mr Peet said the rider was treated at hospital for two fractured vertebrae, a fractured finger and multiple scratches and bruises.

The effects of the collision are “long-lasting” and he struggles to deal with the pain caused when he walks, or stands up, and this has affected his ability to work.

“I used to enjoy being active and that gets me down,” the rider said in a statement. “I am always on edge. I don’t think this will ever change. I haven’t felt the same ever since.”

The court heard Collins has 150 previous convictions, ranging from dishonesty to relatively minor violence, except for a wounding, and repeated driving offences.

Mr Peet said: “There are also several breaches of community-based orders when other courts have taken a chance on him. These are plainly aggravating features.”

Collins, aged 46, of New Lane, Sutton, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Lesley Pidcock, mitigating, said Collins has not been in trouble since, but conceded a probation report is "cynical about his ability or motivation" to comply with rehabilitation work.

She said his chaotic lifestyle comes from struggles with alcohol and class A drug abuse, and is suffering from a number of health problems.

Jailing him for three years, Judge Nirmal Shant KC told Collins: “You have the most appalling record. You did everything you could to get away with it.”

Following the sentencing, PC Lyndon Brown, who investigated the case, said: “Collins showed a staggering disregard, not only for the police officers who pursued him, but also for the safety of other road users.

“His driving was of such a poor and reckless standard that he hit a young motorcyclist, who could easily have been killed.

“Thankfully, the motorcyclist survived, but the effects of the collision on his physical and mental wellbeing were significant. As the judge alluded to during sentencing, the victim’s fractures may heal in time, but the psychological damage will be long lasting.

“Nottinghamshire Police will never tolerate people who drive in this way. On this occasion, Collins thought he could get away with what he did, but he didn’t count on the determination of the officers who caught up with him and arrested him.

“This isn’t the first time Collins has appeared before the courts and I hope he uses his time in prison to reflect on his behaviour and change the direction of his life.”