A drink-driving jockey attacked a witness who tried to stop him leaving the scene of a horror crash, that left a man with a broken back.

John Foy was more than twice the legal limit when he came round a blind bend, on May 30 at 7.30pm, and crashed into Paul Fox’s car in Gravelly Ways, Laddingford.

In the minutes before, Foy was spotted swerving across the carriageway and was on the wrong side of the road when the collision happened.

Mr Fox’s car rolled twice before coming to a rest on its roof, while Foy continued in his Mercedes but eventually had to stop due to the damage.

The father-of-two attempted to flee but was grabbed by a witness who he then attacked.

Mr Fox, of Manor Farm, Laddingford, was trapped in the car by his legs and had to be pulled from the smoking wreckage by the same witness.

Video: John Foy was more than twice the legal limit at the time of the crash

Foy, a garage owner and jockey, of Claygate Road, Laddingford, was arrested at the scene and gave a reading of 166 milligrams of alcohol in 100ml of blood.

The legal limit is 80 milligrams.

Appearing at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court last Thursday, the 53-year-old admitted drink-driving and assault.

Mr Fox, 61, also appeared and told the court how he spent four days in hospital and has endured extensive physiotherapy and chiropractic sessions.

"I don't feel enough has been done to deter people from doing things like this in future" - Paul Fox

The father-of-three added he had developed a hunchback and had been told he may never make a full recovery.

The accident also exacerbated his bipolar disorder and he now struggles to sleep for more than four hours a night.

Mary Winder, chairman of the bench, said Foy’s actions passed the custody threshold but after hearing a probation report, imposed a 120-day sentence, suspended for two years.

Foy was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and was banned from driving for 20 months.

He must pay £85 costs, a £150 criminal court charge and a £60 victim surcharge.

Speaking after the hearing, Mr Fox said he thought Foy’s sentence was too lenient.

The retired accountant, who was on his was to McDonald’s after dropping his wife Elspeth at the pub when the crash happened, shook Foy’s hand in the courtroom and received an apology from him.

He said: “I really thought he would have got a custodial sentence. I don’t wish him any harm or want to get revenge, but I don’t feel enough has been done to deter people from doing things like this in future.”

He added: “I was travelling at 40mph as I know the road is narrow and don’t feel comfortable driving faster.

“If anything comes from the crash I’d like the speed limit to be decreased on Gravelly Ways.

“Vehicles can currently travel at 60mph on the road and it is very dangerous.”