A WOMAN seriously hurt in a horrific car crash in Tiptree has described the last ten months as “the worst of her life”.

Jessica Dunn was one of four passengers badly injured when Jack Stowers lost control of his Lexus and smashed into a truck on the B1023 Kelvedon Road.

Stowers, 22, of Coronation Cottages, Layer Marney, was jailed for 18 months by a judge at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Now Miss Dunn, who had to have four operations and has been left with scars and burn marks, has revelead the longlasting consequences of the crash.

Speaking after Stowers was sentenced, she said: “I would just like to say the past ten months have been the worst of my life.

“I am glad that criminal procedures have come to an end and I can finally start moving on with my life and putting this terrifying experience behind me.

“I would like to say thank you to Essex Police and the other emergency services, as without such a great response I would not be here.

“As for the result in court, I just pray Mr Stowers has learned his lesson and realises that one single, irresponsible mistake he made has scarred me both emotionally and physically for the rest of my life.

“I’m just thankful we all got out of the car alive. Now I hope Mr Stowers realises the severity of his actions and the cost to all our lives.”

Shaken Miss Dunn, who lives near Ipswich, will now only get into a car with her parents, her social life has plummeted and she has still not returned to work.

Two other passengers were also injured, but not to such a serious extent.

The truck driver suffered minor injuries.

Stowers spent nine days in hospital with a number of injuries, including one to the brain. The court heard his passengers told him to slow down moments before the smash, which happened last August.

The former landscape gardener was driving at between 50mph and 60mph – the limit is 40. He admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving, but Stowers has no memory of the accident.

His Honour Judge Gratwicke, passing sentence, said: "It was merciful that no one was killed. "Your driving on the day created a real risk of danger. You disregarded warnings from your passengers”

He did acknowledge Stowers had showen genuine remorse.

PC Rob Elvin from Stanway Road Policing Unit said: "Essex Police is committed to reducing the number of people who are killed or seriously injured on our roads.

"The Judge sent a strong message out to road users that the speed limits are there for the safety of all road users and the wider public.

""If you decide to drive in a dangerous manner in excess of the speed limits, the risks to life can be severe. The sentence passed is fitting on this occasion.”