A drink-driver who tried to perform a handbrake turn at 55mph but ploughed into a queue of people at a bus shelter in Witney has been jailed for 15 months.

David Southwood, 26, had been drinking with friends at three or four pubs and was twice the drink-drive limit.

One of his victims, Sgt Robert Cornes, an aircraft electrician at RAF Brize Norton, was unconscious for three and a half weeks and needs constant care.

He may not fully recover from the serious injuries he suffered, Oxford Crown Court heard on October 21.

Sgt Cornes's girlfriend Julie Payne was one of three other people less seriously injured at the bus stop in Corn Street, Witney. "She had thought he was going to come through it, but she is now much less hopeful about the future for him," Peter Coombe, prosecuting, said.

In passing sentence, Judge David Morton Jack said: "As drink-driving and dangerous driving goes, these were very serious offences indeed. They were truly criminal.

"You chose to attempt a handbrake turn although there was a bus stop fully visible in front of you with people waiting at it."

Southwood, of Wood Green, Witney, admitted dangerous driving and drink-driving on July 19.

David Bright, defending, said his client, who wept in the dock, felt deep remorse and wished he had been seriously injured instead of Mr Cornes. Mr Bright said: "He has come face to face with himself, and it is not something he likes."

He said Southwood was one of those who dialled 999, and remained at the scene despite angry comments from members of the public. He immediately surrendered to police when they arrived.

Southwood was jailed for two months for driving with excess alcohol, and 15 months for dangerous driving, the sentences to be served concurrently. He was banned from driving for three years and will have to take an extended test to get his licence back.

Brize Norton spokesman Flt Lt David Rowe said Sgt Cornes was still undergoing treatment at an armed forces medical rehabilitation unit in Epsom, Surrey. He added: "His future is uncertain until his exact medical condition can be determined."