Colchester: Driver jailed for causing serious collision

A man has been jailed for two years after he crashed his car while speeding, causing a pedestrian lasting injury.

Ben Dykes, of Bradford Drive, Colchester, was jailed for 26 months at Ipswich Crown Court on Wednesday 2 March for causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He was further disqualified from driving for six years.

Dykes was driving along Berechurch Road, Colchester, on the morning of Tuesday 18 August 2020 when he was in collision with a pedestrian.

A witness who heard the 6.30am collision saw Dykes climb out of the car’s window.

When officers arrived at the scene, Dykes’ car was in the adjoining ditch.

The investigation established that 28-year-old Dykes was driving in excess of the 40mph limit before the collision and travelling at speeds estimated to be over 90mph before losing control of his Audi S3.

The victim, a man aged 60s, was treated for life-threatening injuries in hospital for a month.

He has life changing injuries that he is still recovering from to this day.

Dykes pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 11 January.

Police Constable Steve Lavis, of Stanway Roads Policing Unit, said:

“Ben Dykes was driving too fast on an urban road and lost control because of speeding. It’s as simple as that.

“I would advise any driver to slow down, just take your time and make sure everyone is safe.”