A dangerous driver has been jailed for four years and banned for 10 years after injuring a motorcyclist in a head-on collision.

Elisei Sandulache, 22, of Portsea Road, Tilbury, was convicted at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday of causing an accident in Waltham Abbey which left a motorcyclist needing long-term care on November 1 last year.

Sandulache was driving a blue BMW in Crooked Mile, towards Harlow, when he overtook a number of vehicles despite double white lines being in place.

He then hit the 37-year-old rider of a blue and white Suzuki motorcycle travelling in the opposite direction head-on.

The man was treated at Royal London Hospital for serious injuries and still requires ongoing care.

Pc Jennie Pirie, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "The rider of the motorcycle sustained extremely serious injuries and is still requiring full time care. 

"The judge described Sandulache’s driving as being extremely dangerous and atrocious.”