Midlands Prison Officer Sentenced for Dangerous Driving While Gambling on Phone
A prison officer from the Midlands has been handed a prison sentence after causing a severe traffic collision while distracted by online gambling on his mobile phone. The incident, which occurred on the A50 in Stoke-on-Trent, resulted in a pregnant woman going into early labour and suffering significant injuries.
Details of the Collision and Injuries
Jack Bentley, a 30-year-old prison officer from Meadow Way in Derby, was driving his Ford Focus on the evening of 6 April when he crashed into the back of a stationary Nissan X Trail. Prior to the collision, witnesses reported Bentley swerving between lanes, veering onto the grass verge, and lane hogging on the eastbound carriageway between junctions 5 and 6.
The impact forced the Nissan into another vehicle, causing extensive injuries to its occupants. The pregnant passenger sustained a fractured pelvis and required an emergency caesarean section, leading to the premature birth of her baby. The newborn was placed in intensive care, with both lungs collapsing shortly after birth, requiring urgent medical attention.
In addition to the pregnant woman, the driver of the Nissan suffered whiplash, two children in the vehicle were injured, and the family's pet dog required emergency surgery due to serious injuries.
Victim Impact Statement and Emotional Trauma
In a heartfelt victim impact statement, the woman described the traumatic experience of giving birth prematurely and being separated from her newborn. She expressed the emotional distress of watching her baby in an incubator, missing out on early bonding moments, and fearing for her child's life during medical emergencies.
"No mother or father should have to go through this," she stated, highlighting the ongoing physical, mental, and emotional trauma faced by her family as they continue their recovery.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Following the crash, Bentley was arrested at the scene. Analysis of his phone data revealed he had been visiting online gambling sites while driving from Blackpool to Derby. He was subsequently charged with two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Bentley admitted to the charges and appeared at Derby Crown Court for sentencing on 11 February. He was jailed for two years and four months and disqualified from driving for three years and two months.
Police Commentary on the Incident
PC Richard Morris, who led the investigation, condemned Bentley's actions as an "appalling display of driving." He noted that dashcam footage clearly showed Bentley would have avoided the collision if he had been paying attention to the road instead of his phone.
"The fact his actions caused a woman to give birth prematurely and left a tiny baby spending the first few weeks of their life in intensive care is nothing short of despicable," PC Morris said. He expressed hope that the sentencing would provide some comfort to the affected family as they move forward.
