A SOUTHAMPTON man has been jailed following a hit and run which left a 12-year-old girl with life changing injuries.

Ethan Davison, 21, of Harrison Road, Southampton was sentenced yesterday for a hit and run in Newbury after he knocked over the girl who was walking on the pavement in a recovery truck on December 27, 2019.

He pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice.

Davison was sentenced at Reading Crown Court to three years’ and six months’ imprisonment and has been banned from driving for five years which will start after he is released from prison.

He pleaded guilty at a hearing on July 15 at the same court.

The court heard how Davison was driving a recovery truck on the A339 Greenham Road, Newbury at around 8.55pm.

The then 19-year-old mounted the pavement and collided with a 12-year-old pedestrian, causing serious, and life changing injuries.

As reported by the Reading Chronicle, the girl suffered permanent brain damage, scoliosis, visual impairment and the inability to walk.

She will have to undergo major surgery every seven years to replace a pump in her spinal cord.

The girl requires 24-hour support with two carers looking after her during the day and one during the night.

Davison failed to stop at the scene and drove the truck away. The victim was taken to hospital where she underwent emergency life-saving treatment.

Davison continued working and then went home. The following morning he made a false report of theft of his recovery vehicle after abandoning it near to his home address. Police identified the vehicle involved in the collision through CCTV images and from this Davison was arrested.

Davison was charged on April 19 this year.

Investigating officer, PC Mark Dunne of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “I am satisfied that Davison has been sentenced and finally admitted to his crimes.

“He drove recklessly and dangerously, injuring a child in the process. His actions caused her life changing injuries for which she is undergoing ongoing medical care and treatment for.

“What makes this crime even worse, was that Davison drove away from the scene with no care to the girl he had left fighting for her life, carried on with his days’ work, and to make matters even worse he then tried to fabricate a story that his truck had been stolen.

“I hope that Davison’s conviction and sentencing brings some comfort to the family of the victim.

“I would also like pay tribute to the family and thank them for their support through the investigation.”