A DRIVER who left his passenger with "catastrophic" life changing injuries after losing control of his car has been handed a three year jail sentence.
Ferdinand Page, of Vanguard Close, West Croydon, was found guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and disqualified from driving for three years at Southwark Crown Court on September 2.
Kelvin Walker, his passenger, was left paralysed from the breast bone down after the crash on Streatham High Road in Lambeth on 28 December 2012.
The court heard how Page, 31, sped off and drove at "excessive speed" as traffic lights turned green after a police car pulled alongside him.
He lost control of the vehicle, crashed through the central reservation, hitting several trees, and drove into a parked lorry.
Page climbed free through the car window leaving Mr Walker trapped but police arrived moments later and started emergency first aid which saved his life.
London Fire Brigade cut him free from the vehicle and he was taken to St George's hospital by paramedics, while Page was arrested at the scene.
PC Rebecca Adams, from Brixton CPU said: "This incident had a devastating effect not only on Kelvin, but also on his young family.
"Page attempted to flee, leaving Kelvin trapped. Despite life-changing injuries, Kelvin has been an inspiration in the face of horrific adversity. He has maintained a positive outlook and hopes to regain some use of his limbs.
"The offence of causing serious injury by dangerous driving came into force shortly before this incident. Today's sentence reflects the seriousness of Page's contemptible actions which remain unexplained."
