'It perhaps by sheer luck this was not a fatality' - NHS worker lost leg after speeding driver rolled car and hit her in Oswestry while she walked her dogs

The court heard that Pierce had been driving his grey Vauxhall Corsa on Trefonen Road in Oswestry early on the morning of March 8 last year.

At the same time an NHS worker of 25 years who was training for a London Marathon, was out walking with her husband and three dogs.

The court heard that Pierce, who was described as driving in excess of the speed limit, lost control of the car and rolled the vehicle, hitting the woman and causing her serious injuries.

Paramedics worked to save her life at the roadside, before she was airlifted to Stoke hospital and her left leg was amputated above the knee.

The crash also killed one of her dogs, called Dot.

Kate Price, prosecuting, read a harrowing statement from the victim detailing the horror of the immediate aftermath of the incident, and the ongoing impact on her and her family.

The statement told how she heard paramedics saying they had a 'potential amputee', adding: "I said 'are you talking about me? Am I the potential amputee?'"

The court was told of her 'devastation' at the injury, coupled with relief that she had not been killed.

The statement explained how she had always been extremely active, running 10 miles every Sunday with her friends, and carrying out a demanding and important NHS job as a Division Director of Operations.

Ms Price told the court that the impact of the injury meant she was unlikely to ever be able to return to the job she had "loved".

The statement explained that the family have had to move home, and that the victim has undergone months of therapy at a specialist site in Sheffield as part of her recovery.

She said: "If I could wind back the clock I would give anything to have my leg and my dog, she did not deserve this."

Sentencing District Judge Ian Barnes said: "It was early in the morning, you were driving your vehicle on a road close to your home. I assume you know that road well."

He explained that the victim was getting ready to go for a run, as part of preparations to run the London Marathon.

He said: "She became aware of your vehicle, effectively being out of control, so out of control this vehicle rolled over and collided with her."

Judge Barnes said Pierce was "in no doubt in my mind, driving in excess of the speed limit", something also stated by witnesses to the crash.

He added: "What followed was serious traumatic injury, ultimately resulting in an above-the-knee amputation of one of her legs. In some respects that is easy to say but the effect of the injuries has been significant."

Addressing Pierce the judge referenced the statement from the victim, saying: "It makes for a harrowing read. It is clear her life will never be the same again and the offence has had a profound effect on her and will continue to have a lifelong impact both mentally and physically on her, and her family members, and all because of the manner of your driving."

He added: "It perhaps by sheer luck this was not a fatality."

But he said Pierce had no previous convictions, and had committed no previous offences.

He added: "It is clear from the information I have read about you, you are deeply remorseful for your actions and the consequences of those."

Judge Barnes said Pierce also suffers from his own health conditions, and said he was satisfied there is a "realistic prospect of rehabilitation, so I am prepared to suspend the sentence".

Pierce was sentenced to 32 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months.

He must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work, as well as paying a £187 surcharge and costs of £85.

Pierce was also disqualified from driving for two years, and must take an extended re-test to regain his licence.