Suspended sentence for Ipswich driver who tried to buy airline ticket after serious collision

The big picture: Mazarache, 26, of Geneva Road, was given a 15-month suspended sentence at Ipswich Crown Court on 29 November after admitting causing serious injury by careless driving, failing to stop, and failing to report a collision.

How it happened:

• The collision occurred on Portman Road near Barrack Corner on 15 October when Mazarache's car struck a woman who had fallen into the road.

• Instead of stopping to help, he drove to his home.

• Evidence showed he tried to purchase an airline ticket after the incident.

• He later returned to the scene, but police body-worn cameras captured his presence while he failed to identify himself to emergency services.

• Officers later arrested him at his home.

The impact: The female pedestrian was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, with head injuries described as "life-changing" from which she will never fully recover.

The sentence:

• 15-month suspended custodial sentence for causing serious injury by careless driving

• Two concurrent four-month suspended terms for failing to stop and report

• 15 days' rehabilitation

• 12-month driving ban

• 250 hours unpaid community work

• £500 costs

What they're saying: Dc Mark Simpson said: "This investigation shows that police will actively pursue drivers who flee the scene of collisions and believe they can evade being brought to justice."

Bottom line: Despite initially denying the offences and attempting to evade responsibility, evidence gathered by police led to Mazarache's conviction for a collision that has permanently affected his victim's life.