Heavy Goods Driver Jailed for Seriously Injuring Two Police Officers in Horror Crash
Romanian Lorry Driver Gets 3½ Years
Andrei Stan, 35, has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison after causing serious injuries to two Thames Valley Police officers in a dangerous driving smash. The verdict came down today at Reading Crown Court.
Nightmare Crash on A4 Bath Road
On the foggy, dark night of 27 February 2019, PC Matt Midwinter and PC Kieren Baker were driving their marked police car along the A4 towards Hungerford. Just past Half Way, their vehicle collided with the trailer of Stan’s heavy goods vehicle.
Stan had been performing a risky U-turn, leaving his articulated lorry’s trailer, loaded with a shipping container, blocking the entire road for 51 seconds before the crash on this unlit, national speed limit, single carriageway.
Officers Left Seriously Injured
- PC Midwinter, behind the wheel, suffered severe injuries and still undergoes intensive treatment and rehab.
- PC Baker was also badly hurt but has since returned to work.
Stan escaped unscathed.
Investigator Condemns Dangerous Driving
“This collision left two officers with lifelong serious injuries,” said Detective Sergeant Tony Jenkins of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit. “It has deeply affected them and their families. Despite Stan claiming in court he would do the same manoeuvre again, thankfully justice has been served.”
He praised emergency responders for their lifesaving efforts on the night and highlighted ongoing support from specially trained family liaison officers.
