Berechurch Road: Audi driver hit 95mph before collision

Ben Dykes was travelling at 95mph when he approached a bend in Berechurch Road, Colchester, where the limit was 40mph.

Ipswich Crown Court heard he lost control on the corner, breaking through a pedestrian protection barrier and striking a man who was out running at about 6.30am on August 18, 2020.

The court heard police officers were called to the scene where they found Dykes’ Audi in a ditch, a lamppost uprooted and a pedestrian in a life-threatening condition.

Jailed - Ben Dykes

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Another road user told officers how Dykes “accelerated aggressively” moments before approaching the bend, with a forensic report stating 175 metres prior to the impact he was travelling at 95mph.

Experts estimated, despite some braking, the victim was struck at a speed which could have totalled 71mph.

The early morning jogger was projected 23 metres from the moment of impact and has since had multiple surgeries after being airlifted to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridgeshire.

He was left with lacerations to his liver, a ruptured spleen, four fractured ribs, a complete fracture to one of his legs, bleeding on the brain and a laceration to his left kidney.

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A victim impact statement read he was previously a “very happy, busy, outgoing person” but has now been diagnosed with depression amid a new life which means he can no longer do what he loves.

Dykes, 28, of Bradford Drive, Colchester, admitted he had “got a bit excited” when a road “opened up” but was remorseful for what had happened.

Dykes was jailed for 26 months and handed a six year driving ban after admitting causing serious injury by dangerous driving, despite pleas for him to avoid an immediate custodial sentence amid concerns for his pregnant partner.

But Recorder Graham Huston lambasted him for making a “deliberate decision” to ignore a series of road warnings to slow down.

Sentencing Dykes, Mr Huston said: “A moment’s thrill-seeking has devastated a man’s life.

“On this road it’s blatantly dangerous to drive how you did.

“It’s impossible to comprehend by anyone how you could approach it with such speed.”