HGV Driver Jailed for Serious Crash Injuring Two Police Officers
A Romanian HGV driver has been handed a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence after seriously injuring two Thames Valley Police officers in a dangerous driving smash.
Collision on Foggy A4 Bath Road
Andrei Stan, 35, from Romania, was convicted at Reading Crown Court today for causing serious injuries to PC Matt Midwinter and PC Kieren Baker. The officers were driving a marked police car along the A4 Bath Road near Hungerford on the evening of 27 February 2019, when the crash happened.
Conditions were dark and foggy as Stan attempted a risky U-turn with his articulated lorry. His trailer, carrying a shipping container, blocked the entire carriageway for almost a minute before the police vehicle collided with it.
Serious Aftermath for Officers
- PC Midwinter, the driver, suffered major injuries and is still undergoing intensive treatment and rehab.
- PC Baker also sustained serious injuries but has since returned to work.
- Stan, meanwhile, escaped injury.
Investigator Condemns Dangerous Driving
“This collision was significant and has left two officers with lifelong injuries. It has deeply impacted their lives and their families,” said Detective Sergeant Tony Jenkins, lead investigator at the Serious Collision Investigation Unit.
“Stan told the court he did not think the manoeuvre was dangerous and would do it again. Thankfully, he has been convicted today. My thoughts remain with the officers and their families. I also commend the emergency services’ lifesaving actions on the night.”
