A DANGEROUS driver who left a pedestrian with life-changing injuries has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Jason Young, 29, was driving dangerously along Norham Road North in North Shields last September when he struck a 28-year-old man who was walking home from work.

Young was driving more 60mph in a 30mph speed limit zone and left the victim with life changing injuries to his pelvis and spleen.

He was driving a black Renault Clio which he had only just bought prior to the incident.

The victim was carried some distance by the vehicle before being thrown off into the road.

Young, of Lynn Road, North Shields, then fled the scene and abandoned the vehicle in the Meadowell area after attempting to burn it out.

Within hours of the collision, Young was located and arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, disqualified driving, having no insurance and failing to report a road traffic collision. He was recently sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court.

Sergeant Steve Armstrong, of Northumbrian Police, said: “Young had a complete disregard for any members of the public which sadly resulted in the collision with the victim as he crossed the road.

“Young did not stop at the scene or check on the welfare of the victim who was clearly seriously injured.

“Instead Young decided to leave in the vehicle and took steps to actively avoid being identified and prosecuted by police.”