TWO men have received sentences totalling two years and eight months imprisonment following a multi-car road crash in Danbury that left a young woman with serious life changing injuries.

Both men have also been disqualified from driving for five years with a requirement to take an extended driving test at the end of that period.

The incident took place on the A414 in Danbury on April 5, when a stolen car from Suffolk was being pursued by police.

The driver, Tyrell O’Donnell, 20, of no fixed address, lost control and caused a collision with a car travelling in the opposite direction which crashed into the police car.

His passenger Jason Young, 21, of no fixed address, originally from Devon, fled the scene with O’Donnell.

Both men earlier pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicle taking and were sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on August 2.

Det Sgt Dave Jones from the Serious Collision investigation unit said: “Tyrell O’Donnell and Jason Young had no regard for anyone or anything when they stole the Fiat car on April 5, 2012.

“In stealing the car they set off a chain of events, which ended up with a serious crash on the A414 at Danbury that altered the course of Jackie Stretton’s life.

“Innocent members of the public became victims as a result of O’Donnell and Young’s reckless behaviour and we are pleased that they have been brought to justice.

“No sentence can ever compensate for the pain and suffering caused to Jackie and her family as they work through her lengthy rehabilitation.

“Car theft can escalate very quickly into serious incidents and can have life changing consequences for those caught up in their reckless behaviour. Essex Police will work hard to bring these offenders to justice.”