A woman who hit a cyclist while texting her husband and driving has been jailed for 21 months and banned from driving for three years.

Bridgid Briens, of Long Hanborough, appeared at Oxford Crown Court in September after admitting causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Briens, 39, was driving along the A4095 near North Leigh, near Witney in Oxfordshire, when she hit 42-year-old Andrew Slater with her Citroen ZX at around 6.50pm on December 29.

Following further investigation Thames Valley Police officers discovered Briens had been texting at time of the crash.

Slater, who was travelling in the same direction as Briens, was left with severe injuries, including fractures of his spine and right leg, and had to undergo a number of surgeries as a result.

Investigating Officer, PC Richard Medway of the Roads Policing Team based at Bicester police station, said: “This case clearly highlights the dangers of motorists using a mobile phone whilst driving and shows the severe consequences to both the offending driver and on this occasion, the seriously injured cyclist who has suffered severe injuries.

“The court recognised the serious nature of this offence and issued an appropriate sentence which hopefully will act as a deterrent to other motorists who consider using a mobile phone while driving.”

Briens was also ordered to take an extended driving test and told to pay a victim surcharge.