A DRUNK driver who sped away from a crash leaving a couple's car overturned in a ditch on Christmas Eve has been jailed for eight months and handed a driving ban.

Harjeevan Randhawa's Audi rear-ended the Clio at around 4pm before he fled the scene.

The 35 and 36-year-old married couple were driving in the middle lane of the M4 between junctions 10 and 11 as they went to visit family.

The couple's Renault  was forced over the carriageway and ended up in a ditch.

Randhawa was later arrested at his home in Salmond Road Shinfield.

His grey Audi, still with a damaged front was parked on the driveway.

The male driver suffered cuts and bruises and the female passenger was left with cuts, bruises and pain in her left arm that is still being treated.

Police constable Matt Cadmore, from Three Mile Cross roads policing unit, said: "I would like to thank all the witnesses for coming forward and providing key evidence to the investigation and for stopping and assisting the injured parties.

"It was very fortunate, judging by the damage to the vehicles, that the occupants were not more seriously injured. However the collision did mean their plans for Christmas with their family were affected.

"The other driver left the scene of the collision and showed no regard for welfare of the other injured parties.

"The sentence imposed by the courts shows that these types of offences will be dealt with robustly."

Randhawa admitted dangerous driving  and driving over the limit at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday, May 5. He was sentenced the same day.

Th 26-year-old has been banned from driving for at least five years and four months and will have to pass an extended test before regaining his licence.