Eastwood: Man sentenced following serious collision

A man, who purposely drove at someone has been sentenced to four years in prison following an investigation by our Serious Crime Directorate.

On Sunday, 6 February, we were called to Rayleigh Road shortly before 1am following reports of a collision involving a car and a pedestrian. Witnesses had seen the car involved drive at speed towards the victim before driving away from the scene.

The victim was taken to hospital in a critical condition. The collision has left him with life-changing physical and neurological injuries.

The driver was quickly identified as Bailey Ling from Eastwood. After fleeing the scene, Ling went to the Holiday Inn hotel at Southend Airport. The car involved was found damaged nearby.

Ling attended Southend Police Station at around 5pm on the same day where he was arrested.

He was subsequently charged on Tuesday, 8 February with grievous bodily harm with intent and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.  

Following a retrial which concluded on Thursday, 21 September, it took a jury less than an hour to find Ling guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Bailey Ling, 33 of Rayleigh Road, Eastwood was sentenced to four years in prison after appearing at Basildon Crown Court on Thursday, 21 September. 

He was also disqualified from driving for five years, which will commence following his release and he will be subject to a mandatory re test.

Detective Sergeant Gavin Wiseman from Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate said “Our fast-paced enquiries indicated that this was a deliberate act from Ling and his actions will affect the victim for the rest of his life.

“This was a quick investigation, involving officers from our Roads Policing Unit, our Major Crime Team and our Family Liaison Officers, who supported the victim’s family through this difficult time.”