A MAN has been jailed for dangerous driving after crashing into a family in Brierley Hill.

On June 9 last year, a family were walking along the pavement on Level Street, when Brandon Payne, driving a Volvo, lost control when overtaking another vehicle, mounted the footpath, and crashed into the family.

The husband and wife suffered serious injuries, but the two-year-old boy did not suffer serious injuries.

Payne remained at the scene until the arrival of emergency services. He tested positive for alcohol and was arrested for drink-driving.

Two days later, the woman gave birth to a premature baby boy who spent nine months in hospital before he was able to go home. However, as a result of the premature birth, he has a permanent brain injury.

Payne, of Griffin Street, Netherton, pleaded guilty to three offences of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The 24-year-old was jailed for three years and four months, at Wolverhampton Crown Court on August 22.

He was also disqualified from driving for four years and eight months.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "Sadly, this collision reinforces the importance of driving within the law as otherwise there can be tragic consequences.

"In the West Midlands, we have set the goal to reduce road death and serious injury to zero under Vision Zero.

"We are working with communities and partners and are aware of their entirely understandable concern.

"Our partnership sees us work with local councils, charities the West Midlands Combined Authority and others to achieve safer roads for everyone".