A DRIVER faces a lengthy prison sentence after being found guilty of seriously injuring a woman in a crash in York.

A jury today took less than 30 minutes to find John Paul Harris, 35, guilty of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst disqualified.

Harris, formerly of Clifton, was driving a Suzuki containing two young passengers when it hit parked cars in Scarcroft Road before overturning as it sped round a corner, in October 2013.

Back-seat passenger Grace Watts was trapped with serious internal injuries and had to be cut from the wreckage after the accident, while Harris - bloodied from the crash - climbed out of the car and ran off, before being arrested in Knavesmire.

Recorder Simon Jackson QC told Harris' barrister Taryn Turner: "Realistically, this man has two previous convictions for dangerous driving and an appalling criminal record. My current view is he faces immediate custody of some length."

Mrs Turner appealed for Harris to be released on bail until he is sentenced, which she said would give him the opportunity to "put his affairs in order".

However, Mr Jackson QC told Harris he believed there was a risk Harris would not attend if released on bail, and referred to "a history of failing to attend the court hearings, four previous convictions for failing to surrender to custody in the past, and non-compliance with court orders". He also added "it is plain to me you have been accessing drink and or drugs during the currency of these proceedings".

Members of Harris' family sobbed in the public gallery as the jury announced their decision, and told him they loved him as he was led to the cells, where he was remanded until he is sentenced.

Sentencing was adjourned to allow probation officers to prepare a pre-sentence report, and when Harris returns to court next month he will be sentenced for the motoring offences and unrelated charges of possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine, to which he pleaded guilty earlier this year.