A show-off driver has been jailed for causing a cyclist horrific injuries when he crashed into him as he drove at more than twice the speed limit.
Jack Carbines, aged 19, was trying to impress two passengers in his Ford Fiesta when he drove at 64 mph down a busy 30 mph road in Exeter and hit cyclist Peter Knapman on a crossing.
The cyclist was thrown into the air like a rag doll and suffered devastating brain injuries which have left him unable to live independently.
Mr Knapman's pelvis was broken in four places. His back was broken in two places. He was partially scalped by the impact with the road and he suffered deep cuts and an injury to his brain.
He can no longer read and write, suffers from bouts of amnesia, and is unlikely to make a full recovery from the crash, Exeter Crown Court was told.
Former soldier Carbines, who works as a power engineer, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was jailed for 18 months and banned from driving for three years by Judge Erik Salomonsen.
He told him:"You were clearly showing off and this accident was the consequence of that driving.
"Although you braked your speed reduced from 64 mph to not less than 45 mph when you struck the cyclist and threw him in the air like a rag doll, causing him devastating injuries.
"There were other drivers who regarded your speed as lunatic, as indeed it was. It was wholly excessive speed in a built up area. If you had been driving within the limit you could have stopped before your skid marks even started.
"You are a decent, hard working young man and I have read letters from your family and employers. This accident was devastating for Mr Knapman but I accept it was also a personal tragedy for you.
"I am afraid I am not able to suspend this sentence. I have to conclude that a car is a lethal weapon and although it may have been a momentary lapse, you drove at 64 mph in a built up area."
Mr Jonathan Barnes, prosecuting, said Carbines was driving with two friends from Topsham towards Exeter when Mr Knapman cycled off the grass verge into his path at a traffic island near the junction of Higher Wear Road.
He said:"This accident was wholly attributable to the defendant's grossly excessive speed. There is no reason to suppose Mr Knapman did not look before deciding to cycle into the road but the speed he was driving meant the car was 47 to 68 metres away at the time."
He read a statement from Mr Knapman's brother Michael, who is now caring for him, detailing the extent of the injuries which included brain damage, a deep scalp laceration, spine fractures, a cut to his lip which was almost detached, broken shoulder, wrist and pelvis.
He can no longer read or write, has trouble eating because of the injury to his lip, is in constant pain and has a limp because of the injuries to his pelvis.
Mr Piers Norsworthy, defending, said Carbines is so remorseful he wants to go into schools with Mr Knapman's family to teach children the dangers of irresponsible driving.
He said he comes from a supportive family and spent a year with various units of the army before being rejected on medical grounds because of a split palate.
He then found work with Western Power and was due to start a new job as a driver the day after the accident.
