A motorcyclist who seriously injured his friend by drink-driving and riding a non-roadworthy bike without insurance has been jailed.
Gravesend resident Lee Aldous, 24, was travelling along the A226 Crooked Lane with a 33-year-old female friend as pillion on September 13 last year when he lost control of his bike.
He was riding a black KTM off-road motorcycle, which was not roadworthy - they were both wearing crash helmets.
As Aldous, who lives on Packham Road, went round a right-hand bend, the bike struck the kerb and both Aldous and his passenger were flung three meters away.
Emergency services found the woman lying on her side with blood 'pouring' from her head.
She suffered a fractured skull and vertebrae and was taken to a London hospital - she stayed there for over two weeks.
Aldous - who only had minor injuries - asked officers if he could go home.
He was breathalysed at the side of the road, and arrested after the test failed.
On December 16, Aldous was charged with five offences - causing serious injury by dangerous driving, using a vehicle without a test certificate, using a vehicle without insurance, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, and driving whilst unfit through drink.
He pleaded guilty to all the charges and was sentenced to 28 months in prison at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday (June 26).
He was disqualified from driving for four years, and will have to take an extended test to get his licence back.
TODAY'S TOP STORIES:
Detective Constable David Holmes, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "Aldous’ actions were dangerous and it is fortunate that no one was killed.
"He was riding a motorcycle in the middle of the night without any lights and after we examined the bike, we found it had a number of defects.
"Although the passenger agreed to get on the back of the bike, it was not designed to carry a passenger and Aldous should not have offered a lift.
"His passenger suffered serious injuries that will no doubt affect her in some way in the future.
"This incident shows the serious consequences of using vehicles that are not safe for the road and driving under the influence of alcohol, and I hope this sentence sends a strong warning to others."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here