Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 6 July 2023

A 20-YEAR-OLD man from Wigston who fled from the scene of a collision after hitting into a pedestrian in Castle Street has been sentenced.

On Friday, 27 August 2021, a 20-year-old man was walking through the pedestrianised area of Castle Street when he was suddenly struck by a moped.

The force of the collision seen him thrown in the air and knocked unconscious. He was then taken to a hospital in Coventry, where he remained in a coma for almost a week.

He suffered serious injuries, including a fractured skull, traumatic brain injury, and collapsed lung.

The moped rider didn’t stop at the scene, but he was later identified when officers working at the Serious Collision Investigation Unit carried out “extensive” enquiries.

The rider, now named as Jordan Gillard, of Boulter Crescent in Wigston, tried to evade police, but he eventually handed himself at a police station just two days later.

Gillard was charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and pleaded guilty to that offence at an earlier hearing.

At Leicester Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday 5 July), he was sentenced to 27 months in a young offender institution. He was also disqualified from driving for two years, and ordered to take an extended re-test.

Detective Constable Charlotte Wright, of Leicestershire Police’s SCIU, said: “This has been a lengthy investigation, and we are pleased Gillard admitted the offence.

“The incident has left a massive impact on the victim who is still undergoing treatment for injuries he suffered more than 18 months ago.

“A number of people witnessed what happened and helped the victim until the emergency services arrived. It was a traumatic situation for those involved.

“Gillard knew his actions may have caused significant injuries but despite that he didn’t stop at the scene or come forward immediately.

“This was irresponsible behaviour and we hope now he will reflect on his behaviour and consider the impact on him and the victim.”