A MAN who was left for dead in the middle of the road after being mown down by a drunk former Miss Bolton has spoken of his horrific ordeal.

David Robinson, aged 53, was left with brain injuries and a broken leg and neck after Kristina Long, a trainee solicitor with Bolton firm Keoghs, ran him over.

Long, aged 26, had been drinking at a Christmas party and was about twice the legal drink-drive limit at the time of the incident in December 15, 2012.

She was also speeding and did not stop at the scene before being arrested two hours later.

Long was jailed for 12 months in February after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing serious injury.

She had denied the charges right up to a scheduled trial start date.

Mr Robinson, who lives in Salford, said he is “lucky to be alive” after the hit-and-run, and has called for greater awareness of the perils of speeding and drink-driving.

He is working with serious injury law firm Irwin Mitchell, which is seeking to secure funds to support his rehabilitation and recovery.

The Salford Museum technician has had to undergo several operations and had external frames fitted to aid his recovery.

Mr Robinson, in hospital for about a month after being thrown forward 80 feet by the crash, said: “I don’t remember anything about the accident but I’m obviously lucky to be alive.


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“I used to love swimming, walking my dog and running before the crash but the past year has just been horrendous.

“I also had to move back in with my parents so that they could help me with basic everyday tasks.

“I’m relieved justice has been done in the criminal case and hope that by speaking out about my injuries it highlights to others how serious drink driving can be.

“Drivers need to take responsibility for their actions and consider the impact that their decision to drink drive can have on other people.”

During court proceedings, Long claimed she was distracted by a colleague vomiting in her car when she hit Mr Robinson.

Matt Brown, a partner representing Mr Robinson, said: “This was a horrific accident that could have been avoided had the defendant driver thought about the possible consequences of her actions.

“Drink driving is extremely dangerous and this case highlights the impact it has on innocent victims left seriously injured.

“We are now working with the driver’s insurers to secure the necessary funds to help David with his rehabilitation so that he can begin to get his life back on track."