Driver jailed after fleeing scene of crash which left friend paralysed

A dangerous driver crashed and caused catastrophic injuries to his teen passenger, then left him in the car and fled.

- by Karon Kelly

Nathan Robinson's Ford Fiesta was seen "screeching" along a residential street in Sunderland before he lost control, hit a parked vehicle, narrowly missed a pedestrian and smashed into a garden wall.

Newcastle Crown Court heard a witness saw Robinson, who had no licence, get out of the car and look into the vehicle window, where his passenger was "unconscious and bleeding", before leaving the scene.

The court heard the 19-year-old had suffered a traumatic brain injury that has left him unable to walk, move, talk or communicate in any way and in need of 24-hour care.

His family, who visit him every day, have not heard his voice or seen him smile since the day of the crash last September and his injuries are expected to be permanent.

A judge has said: "It is difficult to imagine a graver outcome without death ensuing."