A chef who showed what a judge described as 'callous' conduct after driving into a grandfather, breaking his leg, and then dragging him further into the path of traffic has been jailed for three years.
A Shocking and Cruel Act on a December Evening
James Denning Price, 41, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving during a hearing at Mold Crown Court. The court heard how on December 9, 2020, Price was driving his Peugeot 208 in Prestatyn, North Wales, when he accelerated into a junction and cut the corner, placing him on the wrong side of the road.
He ploughed into Paul Astbury, a 68-year-old plasterer who was returning home from work. The impact was so severe that it flung Mr Astbury 30 feet through the air. A jogger who came to his aid reportedly thought the sound of the victim's leg snapping was that of a car hitting a tree.
The Aftermath: A 'Particularly Cruel' Betrayal
Price initially stopped his vehicle. Mr Astbury, who was in agony and knew his leg was broken, begged the chef to call an ambulance. Instead of helping, Price dragged the prone grandfather several feet further into the road, directly into the path of oncoming traffic.
Judge Timothy Petts later branded this action 'particularly cruel'. After moving his victim into greater danger, Price returned to his car and drove away, forcing another driver to swerve to avoid a collision.
Mr Astbury told the court, 'I truly believe that he hoped someone would come along and I would be struck by another vehicle so someone else would take the blame.'
Life-Changing Injuries and a Ruined Life
The consequences for the grandfather of four have been devastating. He suffered a shattered thighbone, requiring a 15-day hospital stay where surgeons inserted plates and 12 screws. He was left bedridden for nearly two years and still relies on crutches.
Mr Astbury's life has become unrecognisable. He can no longer work, has been forced to claim benefits, and an unfinished house renovation has ruined him financially. He is unable to manage stairs, play football with his grandchildren, or undertake the charity walks across the Scottish Highlands he once enjoyed.
He also missed the chance to say final goodbyes to his late mother and sister due to his immobility. His family now refuses to cross the road where the incident happened because of the distress it causes.
Prosecutor Emmalyne Downing stated that Price's attempts to evade justice were an 'aggravating feature'. He later tried to have the damage to his car fixed, claiming it had been hit by a pheasant, and told others to 'get their story straight'.
While the defence barrister, Gareth Bellis, claimed Price was 'sorry' and had panicked, Judge Petts rejected this excuse. The judge noted Price's previous drink-driving offence from 2006 and said he found it difficult to accept the defendant was remorseful given how long it took him to admit his actions.
In addition to the three-year prison sentence, Price was banned from driving for four-and-a-half years and must pass an extended retest before he is allowed back on the road.
