A MOTORIST who nearly killed his girlfriend when he lost control of his car has escaped a custodial sentence.
The horrific accident last year left blood on the roadside and several people in hospital.
Richard Tilbury, 29, of Ash Grove, Harefield, was driving his Ford Escort along White Hill, Harefield, when he attempted to overtake on a blind bend near Mount Vernon Hospital at about 11pm on February 23 last year.
As he made the manoeuvre, he saw an oncoming van and tried to avoid it but ploughed into it side on, writing off both vehicles.
Tilbury's passenger was his girlfriend of the time, a woman in her twenties from Alexandra Avenue, Rayners Lane. She suffered life-threatening head injuries and a lacerated liver. They are no longer a couple.
The occupants of the other vehicle were also injured and required hospital treatment after the horrific smash.
At Harrow Crown Court, Tilbury pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and was given a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, was disqualified from driving for 18 months and will be required to retake his driving test. He is also required to carry out 250 hours of unpaid community service and pay court costs of £550.
He also pleaded guilty to possessing a small amount of cannabis, which was found in the car at the time, although there is no suggestion that he was driving under the influence of the drug.
His defence counsel said Tilbury expressed full remorse for the accident and admitted it was his fault.
PC John Foley, the investigating officer, admitted to being disappointed that a custodial sentence was not imposed immediately, and said: "This was a horrific incident, which could have resulted in a fatality.
"I would like to warn drivers that police pro-actively target those who drive dangerously or commit any motoring offences."
