A man who purposely drove at someone causing them life-changing injuries has been jailed for four years.

Police were called to Rayleigh Road shortly before 1am on February 6 after reports of a crash involving a car and a pedestrian. Witnesses had seen the car involved drive at speed towards the victim before driving away from the scene.

The victim was taken to hospital in a critical condition. The crash has left him with life-changing physical and neurological injuries.

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The driver was quickly identified as Bailey Ling, from Eastwood. After fleeing the scene, Ling went to the Holiday Inn hotel at Southend Airport. The car involved was found damaged nearby.

Ling attended Southend Police Station at around 5pm on the same day where he was arrested.

He was subsequently charged on February 8 with grievous bodily harm with intent and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Following a retrial which concluded on September 21, it took a jury less than an hour to find Ling guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Bailey Ling, 33 of Rayleigh Road, Eastwood was sentenced to four years in prison.

He was also disqualified from driving for five years, which will commence following his release and he will be subject to a mandatory re-test.

Detective Sergeant Gavin Wiseman, from Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Our fast-paced enquiries indicated that this was a deliberate act from Ling and his actions will affect the victim for the rest of his life.

“This was a quick investigation, involving officers from our Roads Policing Unit, our Major Crime Team and our Family Liaison Officers, who supported the victim’s family through this difficult time.”