A Tadley driver has been sentenced to 15 months in prison for running down an elderly pedestrian after his dog distracted him while driving. 

The 78-year-old woman suffered two broken legs, a break to her right shoulder and a bleed on the brain and can no longer walk without the aid of a frame.

Louis Bond of Fairlawn Road, Tadley pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was sentenced this morning (February 20) to a 15 months custodial sentence and has been banned from driving for two years following his release.

PC Chris Brown, from the Roads Policing Unit, said: "This case should serve as a warning to dog owners about just how dangerous not securing your dog in the car can be. 

"The victim was left with extremely serious injuries and it is lucky that she was not killed. 

"I want to remind people about the serious consequences that come with distractions when you're behind the wheel."

Mr Bond was arrested on Mulfords Hill on January 17 2019 after his BMW collided with a pedestrian after he drove through a red light. 

At the time of the incident, the 24-year-old's dog had jumped from the back of the vehicle onto the passenger seat, causing Mr Bond to turn around to put the dog back in the seat. 

PC Brown added: "The Highway Code says that all animals must be kept suitably restrained in a vehicle so they do not distract or injure you, and we have seen here that failure to do so can be so dangerous. 

"Please make sure your pets are secured, not just for their safety but for yours and other people's safety as well".