A DEAF and mute man from London, who caused serious injury to three people in a Mini Cooper near Abergavenny, has avoided an immediate prison sentence.

Lamin Ceesay, 30, of Kinfauns Road, Ilford, pleaded guilty to one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Newport Crown Court on Friday, July 21.

The court heard how the father-of-one, originally from The Gambia and communicated with the court through a sign language interpreter, was involved in the A4042 crash on July 11, 2016.

Prosecuting, Francis Jones told the court that the BMW driven by Ceesay was on the opposite side of the road when it hit the Mini Cooper.

“The impact was head on,” said Mr Jones, adding that the three people inside the car all sustained injuries to their legs and lower torso, requiring hospital treatment.

“Mr Ceesay remained at the scene of the accident and was arrested by text message because of his disability.”

The court heard that Ceesay was driving within the 60mph speed limit at 50mph, while the Mini was travelling at 40mph.

Mr Jones read out a victim impact statement from the driver – Hannah Hawkins – who said she wakes up with “sharp pain in the right of her leg” which lasts for around 10 minutes daily.

He added: “Trying to play with her dog is a difficult task” and “she is concerned about the scars on her body and legs”.

“She cannot wear the high heels that she used to wear,” said Mr Jones, adding that she is now a “nervous passenger” when in a car.

Defending, Heath Edwards told the court that Ceesay, who had no previous convictions, was “deeply sorry” and “extremely remorseful” for the harm that he caused.

“He never intended to hurt those that he did,” said Mr Edwards.

He added that Ceesay, who works for McDonald’s, was a “positive character” and regularly returns to his home country to speak about disability.

“He speaks to local children about how they can address – speaking through an interpreter – and overcome their challenges,” said Mr Edwards.

Concluding, judge Daniel Williams sentenced Ceesay to 16 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and 250 hours of unpaid work.

He has been disqualified from driving for two years and will required to take an extended driving test when re-applying for his licence.

He must also pay a victim surcharge of £140.