Newport driver jailed for hit-and-run, kidnap and arson

A dangerous driver who kidnapped a woman, seriously injured a pedestrian and then set fire to his car in an attempt to destroy evidence has been jailed.

James Liddle was driving a Volkswagen Golf when he struck a pedestrian in Somerton Road, Newport, at around 2.20am on Monday 25 August. The 23-year-old, from Newport, failed to stop after the collision and parked the car in Moorland Park, Newport, where he later returned to set fire to it.

Liddle pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving, kidnap, doing an act tending and intended to pervert the course of public justice, and driving whilst disqualified when he appeared for sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday 3 December.

The court heard the pedestrian struck by Liddle was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Liddle received a sentence of four years and six months imprisonment. He was also disqualified from driving for a total of five years and 11 months and will need to pass an extended test.

PC Naomi Wilson, the officer in the case, said: “Liddle showed no regard for the safety of anyone when he drove at high speed and in a dangerous manner in Newport in the early hours of 25 August.

“He collided with a pedestrian who was crossing the road and caused such damage to his vehicle that Liddle must have felt, heard and seen the impact he had caused.

“Instead of stopping his car to assist the victim, Liddle drove away, leaving him unconscious and bleeding on the road. He later set fire to the car in the hope of avoiding justice.

“Liddle now has plenty of time and opportunity to reflect on his actions and I hope the victims in this case can start the process of moving on and rebuilding their lives after this horrific ordeal.”