Tailgating van driver caused A146 Suffolk ambulance crash

Chi Li, 40, was at the wheel of a Peugeot Partner van when it drove into the back of a car as it slowed for the ambulance on a blue-lights emergency.

Norwich Magistrates' Court was told he had been tailgating the car on the A146 at North Cove, near Beccles, when the crash pushed it across the road into the path of an on-coming ambulance on August 6 last year.

Chi Li pleaded guilty at Norwich Magistrates Court to causing serious injury due to careless driving (Image: Newsquest)

The driver of the car, Jack Colman, sustained serious injuries and had to be airlifted to the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.  

Passenger Amanda Colman Young also sustained serious injuries.

Prosecutor Rima Bejam told the court: “Mr Colman describes that as the van was being driven behind him it was uncomfortably close and that manner of driving continued along a long stretch of the road.

The crash occurred on the A146 at North Cove near Beccles (Image: Google)

“As they exited a roundabout they saw a build-up of traffic. He moved to the left and slowed to give the ambulance space. 

“He could see the van coming up behind them and he could tell by the speed by which he was approaching that it wasn’t going to stop.”

Three paramedic staff in the ambulance, which had no patient on board, were also taken to hospital for treatment.

Car driver jack Colman had to be airlifted to hospital after suffering serious injuries (Image: Newsquest)

Li, of Patteson Road in Norwich, pleaded guilty to two charges of causing serious injury due to careless driving. 

Ian Fisher, mitigating, said: “His guilty pleas reflect his remorse which is heartfelt.”

The court was told the prosecution categorised the offences as carrying a maximum sentence of up to 26 weeks imprisonment.

Adjourning sentencing until October 4 and imposing an interim driving ban, District Judge Brown told Li: “All sentencing options remain open including custody.”