The dad of a schoolgirl who was knocked down by a drug driver as he tucked into a bag of crisps and used his mobile phone has spoken out about the incident.
The 11-year-old was struck by James Groves, a Kwik Fit worker driving a company van, near Kingsdown School in Swindon at about 3pm on 25 March 2021.
The 25-year-old, of Haygarth Close, Cirencester, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving whilst under the influence of cannabis at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 24 November last year.
Nearly a year on from the incident, which left his daughter in hospital with severe bruising and an eye injury, her dad us urging motorists to concentrate on the road when driving, especially near a school.
“Of course it is every parent’s worst nightmare to hear that their child has been involved in a road collision whilst walking home from school, but it is particularly frustrating to hear that the collision could have been so easily avoided had the driver been giving the road his full attention”, he said.
Continuing: “I’d urge everyone to be mindful of their actions when behind the wheel of a car, especially when driving near to schools at the end of the school day.
“Just a split second distraction could have devastating consequences.
“I would also urge parents to revisit the importance of road safety around busy roads, especially at school leaving times. I would hate for anybody else to be in the same situation as us.”
This is the shocking moment a drug driver hit an 11-year-old girl outside a school in Swindon. Footage shows he was eating crisps and using his mobile.
James Groves was sentenced at Swindon Magistrates’ Court. Read our full court story: https://t.co/ndqZQcTd4C pic.twitter.com/FZdGJUTIE6
— Wiltshire 999s (@Wiltshire999s) February 25, 2022
Footage from inside the van showed the driver was eating a packet of crisps while also using his mobile phone at the time of the collision.
At the hearing last November, magistrates labelled it a “damning set of circumstances” and sentenced him to an eight-week prison term suspended for 18 months. Groves was banned from driving for two years.
He was told to complete a mental health treatment requirement, 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, pay costs of £85 and a surcharge of £128.
The victim did not suffer life-changing injuries, but she still suffers from headaches and struggles to concentrate almost a year after the collision.
The youngster provided a victim inpect statement, which was provided to the court ahead of Groves sentencing.
“I don’t remember much about the incident itself, I just remember waking up in hospital and my dad telling me I had been hit by a van”, she said.
Adding: “I am still feeling overwhelmed about the whole incident.
“I still get headaches when trying to focus on the television or mobile phone.
“This pain is like shooting pains and I normally go to sleep once I get this pain to try and help. When I try to sleep I keep thinking about the incident and then I struggle to get off to sleep.”
ORIGINAL COURT STORY: Drug driver hit girl, 11, in Kwik Fit van whilst eating crisps and using mobile
Wiltshire Police are reminding drivers of the importance of keeping their eyes firmly on the road.
Acting Sergeant Ben Greening said: “This collision could have been so easily avoided had the driver been giving the road his full attention. It was the end of the school day and there were lots of children making their way home so the area was busy. With lots of young people around, it goes without saying that drivers should be on high alert.
“Following the collision we obtained footage from inside the vehicle which showed the driver was clearly not concentrating – this falls well below the level of driving we would expect and I am glad that he has been given a two year disqualification.
“It is so fortunate that the young girl was not more seriously injured as a result of this collision, albeit she did require hospital treatment and it has impacted on her life.
“It shouldn’t take an incident like this for driver’s to be reminded of the dangers of using a mobile phone when driving, eating, or anything that takes your concentration away from the road.
“Eating a packet of crisps whilst driving may seem minor to some, but if your hands aren’t on the steering wheel, your ability to stop quickly should the need arise is greatly reduced.”
