Dangerous driver who injured pedestrians jailed

A man has been jailed after the car he was driving at twice the speed limit crashed into two men who were seriously injured crossing a road.

Alexandru-Daniel Iarcu, 35, of Alexandra Road, Reading, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison after admitting two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving in Shinfield Road in the town in March 2022.

Iarcu was driving his BMW 525 and his friend Cosmin Ion, 39, was also speeding in his Audi A5 when the incident happened.

Ion, of Granby Court, Reading, admitted dangerous driving. He was giving a nine-month jail term, suspended for 12 months, must complete 100 hours of unpaid work and was banned from driving for two years.

Iarcu will be banned from driving for three years after he released from prison following his sentencing on 17 December.

Det Con Jess Barker, from Thames Valley Police, said Iarcu's victims "face a life-long recovery".

"The actions of Iarca fell far below those of a competent, careful driver and show the devastation caused when driving dangerously," she said.

"We would also like to thank all of the witnesses who came to the aid of the victims on the day of the collision and for their help during the investigation.

"There is simply no excuse for speeding, and this case highlights the serious consequences that such selfish and careless driving can have."