'He showed a total disregard for his own safety and that of other road users'
A driver who caused a crash which seriously injured his passenger and an eight-year-old girl has been sentenced at Peterborough Crown Court.
Valdas Kondratavicius, of Bronze Street, March, pleaded guilty at Peterborough Crown Court on Monday (3) to dangerous driving.
He was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 18 months, 12 months disqualification, with an extended retest should he wish to get his licence back, and 120 hours’ unpaid work.
In October, 2017, he crashed his BMW head-on into a second BMW carrying a mother and two children while overtaking on the wrong side of the road.
Kondratavicius was described by witnesses as speeding and performing dangerous overtaking manoeuvres as he travelled along with A141 at Wimblington. He had overtaken several vehicles in a row and remained on the wrong side of the road when he hit the other car.
Kondratavicius’ vehicle ended up in a ditch while the car carrying the mother and her children, aged eight and six, rolled several times as the result of the impact.
A male passenger in Kondratavicius’ car suffered life-changing injuries and spent multiple weeks in hospital. The eight-year-old girl suffered a fracture and serious bruising.
In interview, Kondratavicius admitted being on the wrong side of the road but claimed he intended to overtake two or three vehicles, which were travelling at around 40mph, and the road ahead of him was clear, apart from a lorry in the distance, when he started the manoeuvres.
PC Stephanie Corletto said: “By driving dangerously during one of the busiest times of day on the roads, Kondratavicius showed a total disregard for his own safety and that of other road users.
"A number of people sustained injuries, including children, through no fault of their own. It is totally unacceptable to drive in a manner which risks the lives of other people and we will continue to ensure that these drivers face the consequences of their actions.
"I would like to thank the witnesses in this case who came forward to support a conviction”.
Kondratavicius was originally interviewed on suspicion of causing serious injury with dangerous driving and was later charged with the offence. However after a seven-day trial at Peterborough Crown Court from May 13, jurors in the case failed to reach a verdict.