James McDonagh, residing in Gloucester Mews, Faringdon, inflicted life-threatening injuries on Thomas Shoemark when his vehicle veered off the road in Wantage.
The 25-year-old McDonagh received a 28-month prison sentence at Oxford Crown Court on July 16.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that McDonagh and Mr. Shoemark had been out celebrating in March of the previous year, having consumed some beers and shared wine.
While heading home on the B4507 near Wantage, McDonagh attempted to overtake another car at a blind corner, leading to a crash that left the vehicle in a ditch.
The court reported that Mr. Shoemark was in a coma for 16 days and spent a total of 27 days at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
Despite McDonagh driving at approximately 75mph on a 60mph road, he was not over the drink-drive limit.
Mr. Shoemark suffered severe injuries, including a fractured skull, eye socket, neck, ribs, and a brain injury.
A personal statement from Mr. Shoemark was presented in court, expressing the impact of the incident: “This is my life now since I woke up from the coma. My family didn’t know if I would wake up. I couldn’t walk or talk. I have had to start again. This has left me with the cognitive functions of a child. For me, driving again is out of the question.”
He continued, “I can’t taste or smell anything. Just eating is horrible. I can’t smell if milk has gone off or if there is smoke in the house.”
Mr. Shoemark added, “I feel like a complete waste of space. My brain is so damaged and my body is so broken. I will never be able to be me again. James needs to be fully aware of the impact his acts have caused. This wasn’t a game. The car was real, the road was real, and the passenger was real. There is no reset button for me.”
Mark Hill KC, representing McDonagh, stated that he and Mr. Shoemark were ‘the best of friends’. “The effects on him were devastating, these were life-changing injuries. It is clear he accepts full responsibility as the driver of the car and for the injuries his former friend sustained. Post the accident, he has had his own demons to live with. This was a dreadful error of judgement.”
Judge Emma Nott, while delivering the sentence, described the case as “very sad” and acknowledged that it had “devastated two young lives.” She added, “No sentence I pass can reflect the day-to-day challenges he now faces.”
In addition to the jail term of 28 months, McDonagh was also prohibited from driving for three years and two months.
