The driver bragged about how fast his car could go before smashing into a wall
A dangerous driver ended the dreams of a 17-year-old boy when he fled the scene of a car crash after bragging about how fast his car could go.
Two of the victims of 25-year-old Drew Philippidis were just 17-year-old when they were severely injured in the Minchinhampton crash, when Philippidis collided with a wall on August 9, 2024.
Three of Philippidis' four passengers were seriously injured. One 17-year-old boy required extensive surgery to stabilise his spine. As a result of this, he can no longer pursue his dreams of playing professional rugby.
In a victim impact statement read during sentencing at Gloucester Crown Court, he said: "Moments before the accident we were all screaming frantically at the driver to slow down and stop the car, all of which he ignored.
"The impact of the collision has been huge for me both mentally and physically, and it has required huge determination to fully recover physically.
"The fact that Philippidis ran away from the scene not knowing whether we were dead or alive and did not call emergency services shows the type of person that he is."
A young woman spent a week in intensive car at Southmead Hospital after she underwent major spinal surgery to repair broken vertebrae which she sustained in the crash.
In her impact statement, she said the minutes before the crash "are etched in my memory".
"The sheer terror inside the vehicle is something I cannot erase.
"Despite our repeated pleas for the driver to slow down, we were ignored.
"I watched as the wall drew closer, feeling utterly powerless - these images replay in my mind relentlessly.
"I relive it in flashbacks, in nightmares - it consumes me and does not go away.
"This incident has had a huge impact on my life. I carry mental and physiological scars for which I continue to receive counselling and support for and will do for some time to come.
"I later learned that the break in my neck was just 2mm away from my spinal cord - meaning I came incredibly close to being paralysed."
A third victim, who was also 17 at the time of the crash, said: "Our pleas for Philippidis to slow down were ignored and he just went faster and more out of control, driving dangerously. He was gambling with our lives like it meant nothing."
Gloucester Crown Court heard how Philippidis had been boasting at a pub about how fast his car could go and, at around 11.30pm, sped off with four passengers in his Seat Leon.
Though the passengers begged their driver to slow down, Philippidis ignored them and CCTV footage captured him leaving the town at high speeds, while a witness said he nearly hit her vehicle.
Moments after his four passengers pleaded with Philippidis to drop his speed, he lost control of the car and smashed into a wall at the junction of Butt Street and Cirencester Road.
The driver fled the scene, leaving his four passengers inside the wrecked car.
Three were seriously injured and all four were taken to hospital.
During sentencing, Philippidis also read out a letter he had written to the victims.
In it he apologised for "the harm he had inflicted on them" and expressed his regret at "not being there that night to support them".
He was charged with three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving in May this year and then pleaded guilty to the charges.
Philippidis, of Windsoredge in Nailsworth, was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court on Tuesday, August 19 to 34 months in prison.
He has also been banned from driving for 47 months. He will be required to take an extended re-test after that time.
Officer in the case PC Chris Horwood-Jones said: "I hope this sentence brings some closure for the victims and their families and goes to show that the courts will act positively against drivers who wilfully disregard traffic regulations and cause serious injuries to other people.
"This crash was horrific and has had long-lasting effects on these young people, leaving some with both severe physical and psychological suffering.
"Philippidis left the scene without a care for his injured passengers and evaded police to avoid the consequences of his actions.
"The victims have shown incredible strength and resilience in the face of such adversity and must now rebuild their lives as a result of Philippidis' utter disregard for road safety."