A 38 year old drug driver has been jailed and disqualified from driving after a hit and run incident in Caversham.

The incident occurred around 10:40am on December 6 last year on Church Street, in Caversham, Reading.
 

Glen Critchley, 38, of Western Avenue, Greenford pleaded guilty to all counts at Reading Magistrates Court on September 22 and was sentenced in Reading Crown Court on November 29.

The crimes included driving a motor vehicle with a proportion of cocaine above the specified limit, failing to give information relating to the identification of the driver when required and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Critchley lost control of his vehicle, hitting other cars and colliding with a pedestrian in his thirties before driving away from the scene.

He was arrested the following day and charged with drug driving and failing to give information relating to the identification of the driver on 1 June this year.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Tony Jenkins, part of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit based at Three Mile Cross, said: “I’d like to thank the community and businesses for their assistance with this investigation.

“This has resulted in crucial evidence being obtained, including CCTV footage, which shows the truly shocking manoeuvre at a completely inappropriate speed.

“Following the collision Critchley cowardly ran from the scene, offering no support to the injured party fighting for his life in the road.

“Other members of the public did offer their support, along with emergency services and I wish to commend their actions on scene.

Critchley was sentenced to two years and eight months’ imprisonment, disqualified from driving for four years, with a 16-month extension period, and he must take an extended re-test before driving again. Critchley was also ordered to pay a £228 surcharge.

Thames Valley Police said: “The injured party has a long road to recovery and I wish to praise his bravery and resilience.

“Drug and drink driving is never acceptable; it is simply not worth the risk.

“It’s important to remember that many hours can elapse and you can still be under the influence, and as we head into the Christmas and New Year period, I believe this is a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence.

“Thankfully, the victim in his case survived his injuries, although there is a long road ahead for him as he continues to recover from the ordeal.”