Driver in crash as he overtook cars jailed WOMAN LEFT SERIOUSLY INJURED
AMERCHANT seaman has been jailed after his van collided head-on with a 4x4 as he overtook cars, seriously injuring a woman of 51.
James McNamee, 39, of Maes Cyttir, Holyhead, Anglesey, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving in a Vauxhall Combo van on London Road in the town, and failing to provide a breath test on February 1.
Judge Huw Rees at Caernarfon Crown Court said Sylvia Jones had no time to react before the collision occurred.
It set off her airbag and forced her Nissan vehicle backwards, and she was taken to hospital with two broken vertebrae.
Eyewitnesses said the van was going at a “hell of a speed” and lifted the Nissan in the air.
Judge Rees said dashcam footage showed Mrs Jones was driving at a good standard and McNamee was overtaking a row of cars which were passing parked vehicles.
Although he refused repeated requests to give a sample, there was no evidence McNamee had been drinking, the judge said.
The court heard he had a drink-driving conviction in 2009.
“This case something of a said Judge Rees.
He said the victim’s bruising took a long time to heal and she paid for physiotherapy. remains mystery,”
The judge said: “This was a wholly unnecessary piece of dangerous driving in broad daylight.
“This was a case of excessive speeding in inappropriate conditions for no reason at all.”
McNamee, who had been in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and a navy reservist, was jailed for 12 months and a three-year driving ban with an extended test was imposed.
Richard Edwards, prosecuting, said the van had hit another vehicle, causing whiplash injuries to two occupants.
Dafydd Roberts, defending, said McNamee had been in employment since he left school at 16, and had worked for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.