'Callous' hit-and-run driver dragged badly injured victim 'further into harm's way' before fleeing scene

A “CALLOUS” hit-and-run driver ignored his seriously injured victim's pleas for help and instead dragged him “further into harm's way” before fleeing the scene.

- By DAVID POWELL Daily Post Reporter

Paul Astbury being treated after the incident in Prestatyn (Louise Ratcliffe) James Price Paul Astbury

James Price was driving his car when he cut a corner and ploughed into Paul Astbury, who had been crossing the road.

Mr Astbury was carried on the bonnet until Price applied the brakes, and the badly injured victim came to rest five to ten metres from where the collision happened.

Price, 41, got out of the car but ignored two desperate pleas by Mr Astbury, who had suffered life-changing injuries, to call an ambulance.

Instead Price dragged his victim further into the road which Mr Astbury believed was to allow another driver to hit him and “take the blame”. He then fled the scene.

Mold Crown Court heard the crash happened in Prestatyn, Denbighshire, almost five years ago but that it took a year for Price to be traced. He only accepted responsibility last month.

A judge yesterday jailed him for three years for causing serious injury by dangerous driving in Nant Hall Road on December 9, 2020. He also disqualified Price, of The Crescent, Gorebridge, Edinburgh, from driving for four and a half years.

Mr Astbury, a former plasterer, told the court he had to have a metal plate with 12 screws inserted into his leg after breaking his left thigh in the collision.

His leg has swollen and he is still unable to wear proper shoes.