Hit-and-Run Driver Jailed After Leaving Friend Fighting for Life
Dangerous Driving in Fordwich Ends in Tragedy
Christopher Godden, 28, from Herne Bay, has been locked up for two years and eight months after a hit-and-run crash that left his friend with life-changing injuries. The sentence was handed down at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday, 3 May 2019, following Godden’s guilty plea to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The Crash and Cowardly Escape
The horror unfolded just before midnight on Friday, 1 June 2018. Godden was behind the wheel of a grey Volkswagen Golf in Fordwich with two friends: a 26-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man. Passengers told police the music was blaring and Godden was speeding excessively, sparking fear and discomfort in the car.
The 30-year-old passenger begged Godden to slow down, but as they neared the junction of Moat Lane and High Street, Godden lost control. The Volkswagen smashed head-on into another vehicle.
Shockingly, Godden fled the scene, leaving his female friend seriously injured. She was rushed to a London hospital where doctors labelled her injuries “serious and life-changing.” The other passenger was also treated locally for serious injuries.
Drug Use and Admission of Guilt
Godden turned himself in at Folkestone police station the next day, admitting he was driving. Police found he was three times over the legal drug limit, testing positive for BZE, a cocaine metabolite. Godden claimed he bolted from the crash due to shock.
“Godden not only put his passengers’ lives at risk but cowardly fled, leaving his friend in agony without calling for help,” said PC James Galbraith, the lead officer. “His reckless actions have left a victim who will never fully recover.”
Justice Served, But Victim Faces Lifelong Battle
Godden received concurrent sentences: two years and eight months for one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, plus 12 months for the second count. The victim continues to undergo treatment and faces a tough road ahead.
PC Galbraith added, “I hope this custodial sentence helps her find closure and rebuild her life.”
