Walsall 'dangerous' driver's appeal rejected

Samuel William Rogers, who was branded 'dangerous' was jailed for 15 and a half years at Birmingham Crown Court in March.

Rogers, of Redford Drive, Walsall, admitted one charge of wounding with intent and two of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

His jealous rampage left Paul Maloney, 53, confined to a wheelchair and his ex-partner, Helen Edwards, and her mum, Jacqueline, seriously injured.

Rogers was ordered to serve an extra four and a half years on licence following his release after the judge condemned him as dangerous.

Intent on exacting revenge on Helen Edwards after they split up, Rogers began to suspect she had found a new partner, London's Appeal Court heard.

Miss Edwards, 27, was travelling in convoy with her parents – Paul and Jacqueline Maloney – as she was frightened of Rogers. But he trailed them in his car, finally ramming into the back of Mr Maloney's Ford when the two cars stopped in Kings Norton.

Mr Maloney had got out before the impact and was catapulted through the air, suffering catastrophic spinal fractures. His wife, who was already suffering from multiple sclerosis, suffered injuries which greatly worsened her condition and Miss Edwards sustained serious whiplash injuries. Rogers' case reached the Appeal Court court as he challenged his sentence, claiming it was far too tough. His lawyers pointed out his previous clean record and dynamic career in engineering. But Judge Peter Rook QC said his jail term was 'not manifestly excessive'. He added: "Nor was the finding of dangerousness wrong in principle."

"This can't be described as a spontaneous eruption of anger," said the judge, who was sitting with Lord Justice Davis and Mrs Justice McGowan.

"The sentencing judge was entitled to conclude that Rogers was dangerous."

Rogers was the worse for drink when he got behind the wheel and there was also an element of premeditation, the court heard.