A hit and run driver who left his friend fighting for her life after causing a crash has been jailed.

Christopher Godden was sentenced to two years and eight months at Canterbury Crown Court yesterday.

A policeman in the case afterwards called his actions "beyond cowardly."

The court heard how just before midnight on Friday, June 1, last year Godden was driving his grey Volkswagen Golf in Fordwich.

He had two friends in the car with him, a 26-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man.

The passengers told police that the music in the car was very loud and Godden was driving too fast, which made them feel uncomfortable.

The male passenger also told officers that he asked Godden to slow down.

As the car neared the junction of Moat Lane and High Street Godden lost control, the Volkswagen collided head-on with a house and he ran from the scene.

The woman was taken to a London hospital where her injuries were said to be both serious and life changing.

The male passenger was treated at a local hospital for a serious injury.

The next day Godden attended Folkestone police station where he admitted he had been driving the vehicle and he was arrested.

In interview he admitted using cocaine before the crash and claimed he ran away from the scene as he was in shock.

Godden, 28, of High Street, Herne Bay, admitted in court two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He was jailed for two-years and eight months for one count and 12-months for the second count.

The sentences will run concurrently.

Godden was also banned from driving for four years.

PC James Galbraith, officer in charge of the case, said after the hearing: "Godden put his passengers' lives in danger with his thoughtless actions.

" Instead of coming to the aid of his friends he ran away, leaving them in considerable pain and in need of urgent medical assistance. His actions were beyond cowardly.

"His victim will have to live with the consequences of his recklessness for the rest of her life."

"She is still receiving treatment and unfortunately she will not ever fully recover from the injuries she sustained.

" I hope the custodial sentence will help her come to terms with what has happened and assist her in moving forward with her life.’

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury