A NEWCASTLE Emlyn driver smashed his car into a pub and then fled, leaving his seriously injured girlfriend trapped in the wreckage.

Justin Thomas, of Derwen Gardens, Newcastle Emlyn was handed a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Thomas had been out with his then partner celebrating at a friend’s wedding on the night of August 18, 2017, Swansea Crown Court was told.

The 35-year-old had consumed a large amount of alcohol before getting into his car and smashing into the Synod Inn in the early hours.

Prosecutor Helen Randall told the court that Thomas then fled the scene, leaving his injured girlfriend behind. She had to be cut from the wreckage and spent the next two weeks in hospital.

The court heard she had suffered extensive injuries and had been left with scaring on her stomach and chest and is still receiving counselling.

Thomas was caught by police down in the days following the smash after his brother took him to hospital.

In an impact statement, his former girlfriend said she had been "left for dead”..

Ian Ibrahim, for Thomas, said the defendant had written a letter of apology to his former partner and to the court.

Mr Ibrahim said: " He is remorseful. He knows he is the author of her injuries and he apologises."

Judge Keith Thomas sentenced Thomas to two years in prison suspended for two years, banned him from driving for three years and ordered him to complete 300 hours of unpaid work.