‘Hit and run horror has ruined my life’
AMAN left for dead following a hit-and-run on a busy high street says his life has been ruined.
Colin Bowler was left in a coma after being dragged 45 metres under the wheels of Marc Dightam’s car in Cheadle, Stockport, on Boxing Day.
The 41-year-old suffered terrible injuries after being crushed under the vehicle.
Colin, who is unlikely to fully recover, said: “It’s totally messed me up. I’m in constant pain. The doctors were surprised I survived.”
Colin spoke to our sister paper the M.E.N after Dightam, 32, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, having earlier been charged with attempted murder.
He spent two days in an induced coma at Wythenshawe Hospital as medics treated injuries to his head, back, chest and legs.
Colin, from Reddish, had been on a night out at the George and Dragon pub on December 26 and left to get cash before being hit by Dightam’s Mercedes at 7.50pm and dragged down the street.
For several agonising seconds he was attached to the underside of the car and crushed underneath it.
Colin, who was discharged from hospital on January 9, told the M.E.N he didn’t know Dightam and hadn’t seen him that day.
Recalling the night, he said: “I remember going to get cash across the road from the pub.
“Then I woke up in hospital two days later. I woke up with a big clamp on my leg and had to do physio every other day.
“I’m up and about, but I can’t walk very far and I’m always in pain.
“I’ve been told by the doctors I shouldn’t get a job again because my legs and back wouldn’t be able to take it. I’m virtually housebound. It’s ruined my life.
“The doctors said they’re surprised I’ve made it this far.”
Witnesses said Colin was seen ‘bouncing up and down’ under the car as he was dragged down the street.
Dozens of revellers screamed at Dightam to stop before rushing to help. Colin said Dightam had ‘done the right thing’ by pleading guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He added: “He’s taken the responsibility, so I’m happy with that.
“He couldn’t really plead not guilty, considering what happened. It’s up to the judge now, how much time he gets.
“I’m just concentrating on trying to get better, going to my hospital appointments.
“I’d like to say thank you to the people who came to help me and the paramedics.” »●See video of Colin speaking at manchester eveningnews.co.uk.