A driver who caused a crash that left a female motorist with life-changing injuries after he failed to take medication for his epilepsy has been jailed for two years and eight months.

Benjamin Alexander Clarkson, 26, of London Road, Ditton, near Maidstone was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court yesterday (Friday) after he was charged with causing a serious injury by dangerous driving.

His appearance followed a road smash at around 8.45am on August 23 in 2014 on the A2070 in Ashford.

The collision involved a blue Renault Clio, a blue Perodua Kenari-GX Estate and a silver Volkswagen Polo.

The court heard how the Clio, driven by Clarkson, was travelling towards Ashford when he suffered an epileptic seizure. His car was seen to veer across the carriageway, colliding head on into the Perodua.

Both Clarkson and the female driver of the Peroda were taken to hospital.

The 58-year-old woman driver suffered severe life changing injuries.

The court heard how heroic drivers at the scene grabbed bottles of water from their own vehicles and other motorists to douse flames in the victim's car while they waited for the emergency services to arrive.

The woman’s injuries were so severe that it is unlikely she will ever make a full recovery, although she is making good progress.

During the course of the investigation by Kent Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit it emerged that Clarkson had been diagnosed with epilepsy in 2001.

The blood tests taken from him at hospital showed he had not been taking the medication prescribed to manage his condition correctly. It also showed traces of cannabis in his system.

In addition to his imprisonment Clarkson will be subject of a supervision order when released from prison. He will be also disqualified from driving for 3-years and must take an extended re-test in order to get his licence back.

Sgt Glyn Walker, the officer in charge of the case, said: "This collision was preventable and should not have happened. The lady driver suffered incredibly serious injuries and will have to live with the consequences of Clarkson’s actions for the rest of her life.

"This case reflects how important it is for people with health conditions to ensure that they take their medication properly and frequently, if they fail to do so, they should not get behind the wheel."

He praised the actions of other drivers who helped the casualties, saying: "In an effort to rescue the injured driver they not only put themselves in danger, but got water from other motorists in an effort to extinguish the fire that had broken out in her car.

"There is no doubt they played a crucial role in saving her life."