Banned driver jailed after 'leaving man for dead' after crash

Daniel Jennings Schollar, of Woodend Close in Middlewich, crashed into a horsebox and several cars on the A533 on July 2 this year, before fleeing the scene.

The 35-year-old, who was disqualified from driving at the time, admitted all five charges in relation to the crash and was sentenced to serve 28 months in prison.

One of the cars he crashed into was being driven by 27-year-old Mitch Lears, from Warrington, who was left in hospital with horrific injuries, where he remained for two weeks.

Mitch Lears suffered horrific broken bones in the crash

Speaking after the sentencing, Mr Lears, who cares for people with mental health issues, said he had just finished work and was on his way to an emotional family reunion when the crash happened.

"I was actually on my way to Warrington to see my dad, who I hadn't seen for two years because of Covid," he said.

"It's a busy single-lane carriageway and I remember see him clipping the side of the horsebox in front of me.

"The horsebox fell on its side and the next thing I saw was the wheels of his 4x4 flying off before he collided head-on with me."

Mitch Lears suffered horrific broken bones in the crash

Although he knew he had suffered several serious injuries, including a badly broken left arm and left ankle, Mitch remembered everything about the incident.

"I remember an off-duty nurse called Kate coming to my aid and she was great," he said.

"And then I remember the fire service turning up, putting out the smoke coming from my car before cutting me out.

"I even remember being in the ambulance on my way to Aintree hospital asking them if they could ring my mum to let her know what was happening."

As well as suffering numerous cuts and fractures, unbeknown to Mr Lears, he had also suffered horrific internal injuries and only found out when he woke up on the next evening in intensive care.

"I knew I was in hospital but thought it was just my arms and legs, but I looked down and saw a dressing all over my stomach," he said.

"I asked the nurses what they were and they told me I had suffered split bowels.

"By the Wednesday, after several scans and tests I had my scariest moment and I could sense panic from the nurses.

"It turns out I had suffered a collapsed lung.

"They told me they thought they were going to lose me at one point.

"I had even messaged the mother of my two children as I thought that was it."

Mitch is now on the mend and is pictured here with his daughter Freya aged 8 and son Harley aged 6

After spending two weeks in hospital, Mitch, who now lives in St Helens, moved back to live with his mum as he was unable to care for himself. Since then and with her help, it has been a very painful and slow recovery.

On the sentencing handed out to Schollar, he said: "He basically left me for dead.

"He was banned from driving at the time and I'd like to think the time he'll spend in prison will make him think of what he did.

"But he's only been giving another four-year driving ban (which begins after his release).

"That means he'll just get behind the wheel again."

Schollar was sentenced at Chester Crown Court on December 21 for causing serious injury by dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failing to report an accident, and failing to stop.

There was no extra penalty for driving with no insurance.