Reckless driver who put British expat in coma while driving without a licence in Javea could face up to 3 years 6 months in prison

THE RECKLESS driver who crashed into a British expat while he was trimming his hedge in Javea could face up to three years and six months in prison.

The driver, middle-aged and of Colombian nationality, was released from Denia Court on Monday facing a crime against traffic safety for driving without a licence and a crime of causing injury through recklessness.

The sentence for causing ‘serious injury’ is between one and three years imprisonment, while the sentence for driving without a licence is between three and six months, a spokesperson for the Valencia High Court of Justice told the Olive Press.

The sentence will depend on how the criminal case develops, the spokesperson added.

He said a second woman, who had lent the car, is also under investigation as an accomplice to the alleged crimes.

It comes as locally-named Luke Thomas, 38, was hit after the driver lost control of her car and crashed into a wall where Luke was trimming the hedge outside his house.

A GoFundMe fundraiser set up to support the Javea-based fitness trainer said Luke is in an ‘induced coma and will need facial reconstruction’.

“Luke is one of the most likable, placid lads you could wish to meet and will need lots of help and support going forwards,” the fundraiser read. 

It has almost hit its 5,000 gbp target, with 4,290 gbp reached at the time of publication.

“Very upset to read this, but Luke is a positive, committed and hardworking guy who will hopefully use these qualities to speed his own recovery – we’re with you all the way mate,” one donor wrote.

“Lukey Luke, the world needs your awesomeness. Please get better brother,” wrote another.

A second fundraiser has been organised at the Paris 24 Padel & Tenis club in Javea for this coming Thursday.

The incident reportedly happened on calle Alberto Durero in the Pinosol area of Javea last Saturday.

The woman was arrested at the scene by Policía Local, who detained her at the station in Javea.

Luke was attended by a Red Cross ambulance before a SAMU transferred him first to the Hospital de Dénia and then to Valencia’s Hospital de Manises.

“The woman was arrested and held at the Policía Local station until Monday, when she appeared before a Denia judge,” a source at Javea Town Hall told the Olive Press.

The source added that the accused ‘had never possessed a licence’ to drive a car.