Haunting footage shows how teen used phone NINE times while driving before he left mum paralysed in horror crash
HAUNTING footage shows how a teen used his phone nine times while driving before he left a mum paralysed in a horror crash.
George Taylor made calls, sent texts and recorded five videos while speeding and overtaking over cars in a one-hour period.
The 19-year-old only had his driving licence for 12 weeks when he smashed into the back of mum Catherine’s Skoda.
Even then Taylor failed to stop looking at his mobile and messaged a pal, saying: “I’ve just crashed”.
Catherine was left paralysed from the neck down in the horror and now requires lifelong care and support.
Taylor has been jailed for two years and two months at Norwich Crown Court after he admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Catherine’s family told how the “gregarious” mum is unable to breathe properly and can’t speak following the crash.
Her dad said: “I’ll never forget that day when we were told she had been in an accident, and then arriving at the hospital to be facing the reality that we may lose her.
“To hear that my only daughter may not survive was heart-breaking and, as her dad, all I wanted to do was make everything better for her.
“The past 22 months have been traumatic and while I can’t change anything, I hope that by speaking out I can make others aware of what can happen on the roads. Catherine’s life was changed in a split second, and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
“My focus now is to help Catherine and her son as much as I can to make their lives as comfortable as possible.”
The horror unfolded on January 18, 2023, as Taylor drove to college.
At 9.56am, the teen sent his first video of him driving with his knees before flipping the camera for a selfie.
He sent another similar clip at 10.23am, before following it up eight minutes later with another video and a photo.
Taylor then began messaging a friend at 10.35am while driving his black Volkswagen Golf on the A47.
At 10.43am, the driver shared another video as he drove through the rain on his knees and a photograph before taking a phonecall.
A text was sent three minutes later, followed by a second phonecall at 10.56am.
He received a message at 11.06am pointing out he was on his phone while driving – just seconds before he crashed.
Norfolk Police said Taylor failed to see Catherine’s Skoda Fabia as she waited to tun in front of him.
The teen crashed into the rear of her car, which caused the mum to suffer a cardiac arrest.
An off-duty paramedic provided life-saving care at the scene before she was rushed to hospital.
As well as a jail sentence, Taylor was banned from driving for 40 months and told he must take an extended driving test before he can get behind the wheel again.
Speaking after the sentencing, lead investigating officer, Sgt Callum Walchester, said: “This is a deeply tragic case which, like many collisions, could have been entirely avoidable.
“Catherine was a fit and healthy mother who now, as a result of Taylor’s actions, will live out the rest of her life paralysed and requiring lifelong care and support.
“Catherine and her family have agreed for us to tell her story to highlight the dangers that using a mobile phone poses, in the hope that no one else is in their position. This is testament to their strength and outlook and for that, I thank them.
“George Taylor made multiple decisions to use his mobile phone that day and in doing so put himself and everyone else at significant risk. It was Catherine who has paid the price.
“Please, if you take nothing else from this message, please watch the video and watch how quickly things can change and realise the very real consequences, please, just think.”