Man sentenced after child seriously injured in A1M collision - Stevenage

A drug driver has been sentenced to 20 months in prison after seriously injuring a six year old boy in a collision on the A1M.

Martyn Chapman, aged 42, of Wood View in Hemel Hempstead, appeared at St Albans Crown Court today (Friday 6 February). He had previously pleaded guilty to one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and one count of driving whilst over the prescribed limit for drugs.

The court heard that Chapman had been driving his family northbound on the A1M when the incident happened on Sunday 3 November 2024 at around 6pm.

The judge described the collision as ‘horrific’ and commented that it was a miracle it was not worse.

Chapman had failed to recognise that traffic was slowing for the exit slip at Stevenage (junction 8) and collided with the vehicle in front, crushing it.

A six year old boy, who was sat in his child seat in the back, was crushed and trapped.

The boy suffered a fractured eye socket, along with other minor facial and body injuries. The boy’s father, who was a passenger, was knocked unconscious as a result of the collision.

All three emergency services were dispatched to the scene.  The boy and his father were extricated from their vehicle, along with the mother and sister. All were taken to hospital for immediate treatment. 

Chapman and his family were also taken to hospital to be checked over.

Officers conducted a drugs swipe of Chapman which proved positive for cocaine. Further testing found that he was more than nine times over the limit for prescribed drugs.

Sergeant Chris Whales, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Road Policing Unit, said: “This was a hugely traumatic incident and I must commend the small boy’s bravery. He and his family could have been killed by the recklessness of Chapman who decided to get behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drugs.

“I hope this sentence serves as a lesson to all those who think it is acceptable to drive after taking drugs.”