A drug-driver has been jailed after crossing on to the wrong side of the A66 before ploughing into a car driven by an Eden postman.
Lucas Keane, 25, was at the wheel of a Volvo V40 which other motorists had earlier seen swerving first on the M6 southbound at around 6am on September 14, and then on the Kemplay Bank roundabout.
As Keane headed east on the A66 towards Whinfell, his Volvo initially struck an oncoming Royal Mail lorry whose driver had to slam on brakes while another motorist took evasive action.
Also heading west was John Jackson, driving a Ford B-Max, who saw Keane’s collision with the lorry ahead and was unable to avoid a head-on crash involving his vehicle.
Members of the public helped Mr Jackson until the emergency services arrived and he was taken to Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary. His most significant injury was a spinal fracture and he underwent surgery.
In a statement taken in October, Mr Jackson — from the Appleby area — described being in considerable pain at that stage and relying on his wife’s help to move about the house.
“It was anticipated he would need at least six months physiotherapy in order to walk properly,” prosecutor Hannah Forsyth told Carlisle Crown Court today. It is of note that his job is that of a rural postman who takes about 25,000 steps a day.”
Keane, meanwhile, had to be removed from his vehicle. He also received hospital treatment, for injuries to his face and jaw. A blood sample later showed he was well over the legal driving limit for a cocaine breakdown product.
He later admitted drug-driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The court heard his previous convictions included drink-driving and failing to provide a specimen.
Keane, of Queensway, Grantham, was jailed for two years, and must serve a three-year driving ban when released.
“You, or Mr Jackson, or both of you could so easily have been killed,” said Lord Justice Edis.
