Drug-driver jailed after critically injuring woman

Leigh Kuehnel reversed up a main road after missing his turning, police said

A drug-driver who reversed up a main road when he missed his turning and critically injured a pedestrian has been jailed for two years and four months.

Leigh Kuehnel, 47, hit the woman, who was aged in her 80s, on Woodstock Road in Oxford in August 2022, police said.

She had to be resuscitated at the roadside, detectives added.

The defendant, of Elizabeth Avenue, Newbury, pleaded guilty to driving his van under the influence of cocaine and was found guilty at Oxford Crown Court of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Kuehnel was driving towards the city centre when he missed the turn into Osberton Road, police said.

He reversed up the main road, inflicting "terrible injuries" on the pensioner who spent four months in intensive care, detectives added.

Sgt Dominic Mahon said: “Leigh Kuehnel chose to drive that evening, knowing he had consumed cocaine and alcohol.

"When he missed his turning, he chose to reverse even though he couldn’t see behind him.

“His dangerous choices almost cost a woman her life and she will sadly never fully recover from the terrible injuries he caused her."

Kuehnel was also banned from driving for three years and four months after his release.