A reckless drink and drug-driver who left a young mother critically injured in a horrific head-on collision has been jailed for four years.
Terry Colley, 46, of Swanwick Close, London, was found to have been driving erratically on the A22 at Golden Cross, East Sussex, on 12 November 2023 when he veered into the path of 29-year-old Sophie, who was out buying Christmas presents.
Colley’s blood alcohol level was nearly double the legal limit, and he had also consumed cocaine. After the crash, brave witnesses pulled Colley unconscious from his burning Skoda, although tragically, his dog perished in the wreckage.
Meanwhile, Sophie was trapped inside her BMW, requiring firefighters to cut her free. She was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition and placed into an induced coma.
Despite clear evidence, including CCTV footage, Colley denied responsibility for 18 months, only pleading guilty on the first day of his trial at Lewes Crown Court on 22 April 2025.
No Remorse from the Offender
Judge Mooney branded it “the worst example of dangerous driving” he had ever seen. He said Colley’s delayed guilty plea was “an act of self-preservation and self-pity”, emphasizing that Colley had shown “not a shred of remorse.”
Tests revealed Colley had 144mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood (the legal limit being 80mg) and cocaine in his system at the time of the crash.
Impact on Victim Sophie
Sophie, a mother of two, has endured multiple surgeries, chronic pain, and PTSD. She cannot drive and has lost her previous quality of life. Her partner has given up his job to become her full-time carer.
Sophie recalled:
“I was the happiest I’d ever been. That happiness was ripped away in an instant. I’ve lost my spleen, I live in constant pain, and I can no longer be the mum I was.
Sentencing
Colley failed to attend his sentencing on 23 April but was swiftly located and taken into custody. He was sentenced in his absence to four years in prison for causing serious injury by dangerous driving and banned from driving for six years and one month.
In a separate matter, Colley was sentenced to an additional two months for breaching a non-molestation order against a former partner. He was also handed a 15-year restraining order and ordered to pay a victim surcharge.
Police Statement
Detective Constable David Symonds said:
“Colley cowardly hid behind lies until the very last moment. Now the truth is out, and Sophie can hopefully begin to heal without the burden of his deception.”
