A drink-driver who caused serious injuries when he overtook on the crest of a hill and smashed into an oncoming car has been jailed for just under three years.

One witness said Vladimir Skljar’s car was “like a train” it was going so fast just before the smash.

Victim Hafizullah Saadati, 42, was not wearing a seatbelt and the injuries to his legs were so devastating he may never walk again.

A judge told Skljar, who had previously taken amphetamine and cannabis: “Cases of this type are always tragic. Both your life and that of the victim are permanently affected. But is it your conduct which caused this and must be punished.”

Skljar, of Merton Close, Lordswood, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving when above the alcohol limit.

He was jailed for two years and 10 months and will be banned from driving on his release at the halfway point for three years.

Maidstone Crown Court heard the 30-year-old Russian’s Toyota Avensis was travelling behind Michael Pearce’s Vauxhall Vivaro in London Road, Northfleet, at just after 10pm on September 1 last year.

As they approached the crest in the road near a pedestrian crossing, Skljar overtook at speed and collided “virtually head-on” with Mr Saadati’s Peugeot close to Rosherville School.

The victim remained in hospital seven months after the crash. He had reduced or no sensation his legs and his kidneys were damaged. He has regular dialysis.

Mr Pearce told of a “massive explosion” at the top of the hill after Skljar overtook him, and added the car was like a train. Another driver, Joseph Fahey, estimated the Toyota’s speed at 60-70mph.

Prosecutor Keith Yardy said Skljar was seen running off towards Dartford. He told a resident of London Road: “I have got to get away. I have been drinking.”

Police officers arrived and arrested him. He was found to be about 25 per cent over the legal limit for alcohol in his blood.

Although he also had amphetamine and cannabis in his system, they were below the specified limit.

“They appear to be life changing injuries of great gravity. He says his life is never going to be the same" - Keith Yardy

Mr Saadati, whose wife and three children live in Iran, said in a victim statement: “The moments of that crash destroyed my life.” He added his legs were “bent out of shape” and he was permanently disfigured.

“They appear to be life changing injuries of great gravity,” said Mr Yardy. “He says his life is never going to be the same.”

Kwaku Awuku-Asabre, defending, said unlike Mr Saadati, Skljar was wearing a seatbelt, which is GP told him had saved him. He had drunk four cans of beer before the accident. He had a broken wrist and four fractured ribs.

“It has had a sobering effect on him,” he said. “He has been driving for 12 years. "He and his girlfriend plan to start a family. He has stopped drinking entirely."