A drink and drug-driver who crashed head-on into a young mum’s car and then claimed to be the victim has been jailed.
Terry Colley, 46, of Swanwick Close, London, was driving erratically on the A22 at Golden Cross on 12 November 2023, before accelerating and crossing into the path of 29-year-old Sophie, causing her life-threatening injuries.
Colley went on to convince many people that he was not to blame for the collision. Denying any responsibility throughout the police investigation, he pleaded not guilty at a hearing at Hove Crown Court in July last year. It wasn’t until the first day of trial on 22 April, 18 months after the crash, that he appeared at Lewes Crown Court and at the last second pleaded guilty to causing serious injury through dangerous driving.
Judge Mooney said that this was the worst case of dangerous driving he had seen, and far from Colley’s guilty plea being a sign of remorse, “it was an act of self-preservation and self-pity”, adding: “He’s not shown a shred of remorse.”
Tests showed Colley had taken cocaine and had 144 milligrams of alcohol in his blood. The legal limit is 80mg.
Colley was pulled unconscious from his burning Skoda by witnesses, who no doubt saved his life. His dog, although rescued, sadly died.
Sophie needed to be cut out of her BMW car by fire colleagues and was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Sophie had simply popped out to get some Christmas gifts and treat herself to a coffee that day. She was just 15 minutes from home when Colley crossed into the path of her car at speed.
Sophie said: “Thinking back to before the crash, I remember being the happiest that I’ve ever been – I was in a good job, living with my partner and our 13-month-old baby boy in our own home. We had booked a family holiday. I was outgoing, confident and loving new experiences. My life was complete and I couldn’t ask for more.
“My journey was supposed to only take 15 minutes from my home to the shopping centre. That was until I saw a car travelling fast towards me. I didn’t have a chance to avoid it. The image of the driver’s face is imprinted in my mind and marks the moment my life changed forever.
“Initially I wasn’t responding to treatment for a collapsed lung and because of my extensive injuries my partner and mum were told that there was a real chance I would die. I was put in an induced coma. I felt excruciating pain all over my body when I woke, and when I could speak, I just repeated to my family: ‘It wasn’t my fault.’
“I’ve had so many operations. I’ve had my spleen removed, and pins were put in my arms, hands, legs, ankles. Another operation will hopefully address the severe pain in my leg.
“My family life has been shattered. I now suffer from PTSD. It’s traumatising that I can’t do any of the things I used to do with my little boy, and my partner has had to give up work to look after us, including our new baby girl.
“I cannot bring myself to drive and being a passenger fills me with absolute dread. I am constantly thinking something is going to happen.
“Our happiness has been taken away from us as a family, owing to this man’s negligence.”
Detective Constable David Symonds said: “Colley was not the victim he claimed to be. He continued blaming Sophie for being on the wrong side of the road despite being shown CCTV evidence to the contrary.
“He cowardly hid behind his lie, convincing a lot of people that he was not to blame, until he pleaded guilty at the very last second at crown court.
“At last, the truth can be revealed that it wasn’t just a crash for her. Sophie can explain the severe impact this has had on her and her family. I hope she can now focus on recovering without this hanging over her.”
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
