Judge lashes driver's 'appalling' record during sentencing for hit-run crash
A disqualified driver has been jailed over a hit-run crash that left a woman with life-changing injuries.
But despite his history of offending, he could be free in just over a year.
South Australian man Travis Turner was banned from driving when he veered off a straight stretch of road and slammed into cyclist Sonja Maus on Churchill Road at Kilburn in February last year.
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Turner claims he had leaned over to pick up a can of soft drink when he veered into the bicycle lane. 9News
Maus came to court for the first time to watch as he was jailed.
"We just hope that he gets the help that he needs so that cyclists feel safe on our roads," she said.
Turner claimed he had leaned over to pick up a can of soft drink when he veered into the bicycle lane.
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Cyclist Sonja Maus was injured on Churchill Road at Kilburn in February last year. 9News
He pulled over, got out of his van and according to witnesses said "she doesn't look good" before he fled the scene.
The 47-year-old then removed the bumper and grill from his van and replaced the number plates.
Maus suffered a bleed on the brain, multiple fractures and a badly broken jaw.
"Happy to express my gratitude to SA Police and all of the staff at the Royal Adelaide Hospital," she said.
Turner was jailed for three-and-a-half years and banned from driving for a decade.
The judge described the man's driving record as nothing short of "appalling".
Turner has been in custody since his arrest and with time served he will be eligible to apply for release in August next year.
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