A HAMPSHIRE ambulance driver has won his appeal against a conviction for dangerous driving.

A judge ruled today that the courts could not be sure that Andrew Collis' actions were below the standard of a considerate careful driver.

The decision has disgusted the family of the teenage motorist left with life-changing injuries as a result of the horror crash.

Last November Mr Collis, 43, was banned from driving for a year and given a 12-month community order after being involved in the horrific smash that left 17-year-old Jessica Barnett with serious brain injuries.

Mr Collis, of Limetree Close, in East Preston, Sussex, had been answering an emergency call in February 2007, on the A32 near Mislingford.

The ambulance he was driving collided with the Renault Clio of Miss Barnett, from Swanmore, when Mr Collis attempted to over-take the car just metres from the junction with Buddens Road.

Judge Peter Ralls QC said that after much anxious consideration, he and the bench could not be sure that Mr Collis' driving had fallen below the standard of a considerate and careful driver and so allowed the appeal.

Outside Portsmouth Crown Court, Miss Barnett's grandmother, Jo Barnett, said: "The family are very upset and distressed about today's result. Jessica will pursue a civil claim for damages to compensate her for the terrible injuries she sustained."