A Thornton Heath man who left a woman paralysed after a hit and run in West Norwood has been jailed.

Pascoe Petgrave, 21, of Thornton Road appeared at Inner London Crown Court yesterday (November 9) where he was convicted of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The court heard it was just after 4.30am on May 29, 2016, when two women were making their way home after a night out when Petgrave mounted the pavement at speed in Norwood High Street in his BMW before colliding into the women.

Petgrave failed to stop at the scene and told jurors he had mounted the pavement fearing for his life after being chased by two men armed with weapons.

Crown prosecutor Claudette Hamilton said: “We used CCTV footage to demonstrate to the jury the total disregard Petgrave took for his actions.

"This callous individual, who was uninsured at the time, drove into both women from behind and fled the scene.

"He did not report the collision to police, forcing the victim to take part in media appeals to identify him.

“This incident has had profound consequences for one victim. Her life has changed dramatically and she will now require round-the-clock care as a result of Petgrave’s actions.

“Dangerous driving can shatter lives and I hope this successful prosecution goes someway in bringing comfort to the victims and their families.”

Petgrave was also convicted of three counts of making off without payment in relation to petrol thefts.

He was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison.

He was also disqualified from driving for two years upon release and required to take an extended driving test at the end of the disqualification period.