Alexander Simmons, 26, from Twyford, has been sentenced to three years and three months in prison following a horrific collision on the A41 near Woodham, Buckinghamshire. The sentencing took place at Aylesbury Crown Court on 27 January.
Simmons was also handed a driving ban lasting six years and four months and must pass an extended driving test before regaining his licence. He pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop after the collision, and possession of a Class B drug.
The crash occurred at approximately 8.35pm on 19 September last year. Simmons was driving a white Mercedes C63 AMG towards Bicester when he dangerously overtook vehicles on the wrong side of the road. This reckless action resulted in a severe head-on collision with a red Citroen Cactus travelling towards Aylesbury.
The Citroen was driven by Suzanne ‘Suzy’ Pettifor, 56, an Emergency Care Assistant. She sustained life-changing injuries in the crash. Simmons fled the scene but was apprehended within hours and charged the following day.
Detective Sergeant Lyndsey Blackaby described the incident as “an appalling example of dangerous driving carried out at a grossly excessive speed.” She added, “Suzy’s injuries have transformed her life and deeply affected the community she served with the South Central Ambulance Service.”
The Pettifor family issued a statement expressing their grief: “The trauma has been hard to come to terms with. We could have lost her. Seeing our precious mum, once full of life, struggle with crippling injuries is beyond devastating.”
They continued, “Suzy was the calm in chaos at work, known for her compassion and care. To us, she was the life and soul—a loving mum and grandmother. She is no longer the vibrant person we knew.”
“We’re relieved the guilty plea acknowledged the severity of what happened, and the sentence has provided some closure. Our focus is now on supporting Suzy through her long recovery. Please respect our family’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
