Driver Sentenced to Prison After Distracted Driving Causes Premature Birth
Jack Bentley, a 30-year-old driver from Derby, has been sentenced to two years and four months in prison after causing a serious collision while gambling on his mobile phone. The incident, which occurred on the A50 in Derbyshire in April 2025, resulted in a pregnant woman suffering a fractured pelvis and giving birth prematurely, with her baby requiring intensive care.
Details of the Dangerous Incident
Derby Crown Court heard that Bentley was driving his Ford Focus from Blackpool to Derby when he became dangerously distracted by his phone. Dashcam footage from another motorist captured Bentley veering onto the grass verge, swerving between lanes, and lane hogging before crashing into the back of a stationary Nissan X Trail. The Nissan was queuing in traffic at the time of the impact.
The pregnant passenger in the Nissan sustained a fractured pelvis and was rushed to hospital, where she underwent an emergency caesarean section. Her baby was born prematurely and placed in an incubator due to health complications, including collapsed lungs. The driver of the Nissan and two children in the vehicle were also injured, and the family's pet dog required emergency surgery.
Victim Impact and Legal Consequences
In a victim impact statement, the woman described the experience as "very traumatic" and expressed how she missed out on early moments with her newborn. "I remember being there watching when all the nurses and doctors rushed around because her lung had collapsed and I had to lay there scared for her. Hours later, the other lung also collapsed," she said. "For my first pregnancy, this was a very traumatic experience and one no parent expects or wants to experience."
Bentley admitted to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Following his arrest, analysis of his phone data revealed he had been visiting online gambling sites while driving. PC Richard Morris, who led the investigation, stated: "This was an appalling display of driving by Bentley, who spent the majority of his journey distracted by being on his phone. From watching the dashcam footage, it was clear that had he been paying attention he would have seen the queue of traffic in front of him and been able to stop in time."
Additional Penalties and Broader Implications
In addition to his prison sentence, Bentley has been disqualified from driving for three years and two months. The case highlights the severe consequences of distracted driving, particularly when involving mobile phone use. Authorities emphasize that such behavior not only endangers the driver but also poses significant risks to other road users, as evidenced by the lasting physical, mental, and emotional trauma inflicted on the affected family.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of focused driving and the legal repercussions for those who disregard road safety laws. The sentencing aims to deter similar behavior and underscore the judiciary's commitment to holding reckless drivers accountable for their actions.
