RBT crash driver Jakob Thornton sentenced to jail

A serial traffic offender who maimed two police officers — causing one to have his foot amputated — when he ploughed into an RBT site will spend at least two years behind bars.

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A serial traffic offender who maimed two police officers when he ploughed into an RBT site will spend at least two years behind bars.

Jakob Thornton, 23, was reading a message on his phone when his Fiat van crashed into Senior Constables Jonathon Wright and Matthew Foley, pinning them between the van and a police car.

Senior Constables Matt Foley (left) and Jono Wright (right) walking in the Sydney Downing Centre today. Picture: Flavio Brancaleone

Thornton was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison by Judge John Hatzistergos at the Downing Centre in Sydney today.

He will be eligible for parole in two years.

Thornton admitted to reading a message on his phone for 10 to 20 seconds before his vehicle crashed into the RBT site on Campbelltown Rd, Leumeah on February 16 last year.

Jakob Thornton reporting for bail last year. Picture: Jeremy Piper

He had exchanged 29 text messaged with his girlfriend between 7.45pm and 8.20pm, the time of the crash.

Thornton wiped back tears as Mr Hatzistergos described the serious injuries sustained by the police officers.

The site of the incident. Picture: Gordon McComiskie

Thornton has been sentenced to at least two years jail. Picture: Tim Pascoe

Senior Constable Wright had his right foot amputated, while Senior Constable Foley suffered a fractured leg.

Senior Constable Wright has suffered from ongoing phantom limb pain and struggles to perform outdoor activities since the crash.

In a victim impact statement he said he “finds it difficult to traverse a simple path” and had come to rely on his wife, family and friends to help perform activities with his three children

Senior Constable Jonathan Wright, who had his right foot amputated as a result of the crash, returned to work last year. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Senior Constable Foley has experienced ongoing aches since the crash and attends physical therapy sessions three days a week.

A driver who had been travelling behind Thornton said the Fiat was swerving and moving slowly along the Hume Highway.

When the driver went to overtake Thornton she said she could clearly see the officers several hundred metres ahead, setting up the RBT.

Thornton pleaded guilty in August last year to two counts of dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

Assistant Commissioner Greg Rolph said outside the court:

“I’d like to acknowledge the outcome ... the message is quite clear about the conduct of this person in driving a motor vehicle and being distracted and the devastating consquences that may result.

“Matt and Jono have asked me to just say thank you to the Macarthur community that has helped to fundraise. I’d like to extend that thanks to the police family who have supported them on this long journey of rehabilitation over the last 12 months.

“It’s now time for both of these officers to move forward and focus on their longer term rehabiliation and getting back to work.”