A driver who fell asleep at the wheel ploughed into another car leaving a woman with life-changing injuries. 

Gabriel Ferreira, 20, nodded off in the early hours causing his Ford Fiesta to crash into a Vauxhall Corsa travelling in the opposite direction on the A1075 just south of Watton town centre.

Norwich Magistrates’ Court was told the “horrific damage” to both vehicles had left the woman driving the Corsa trapped inside the wreckage. 

Ferreira pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving Ferreira pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving (Image: Newsquest)

Serena Berry, prosecuting, said she had sustained “very serious injuries” including fractures to vertebrae and two broken legs including compound fractures to both tibia and fibula.

READ MORE: Man arrested after woman seriously injured in Watton crash

She added: “She was in hospital for 13 days and left unable to walk for a considerable period and has been unable to work since and is suffering from post traumatic stress disorder as a result of what she experienced.”

Ferreira, of Lancaster Avenue in Watton, was also taken to hospital for treatment for a serious injury following the crash which happened at 4.30am on February 11.

He later told police he had been driving home when he had fallen asleep at the wheel. 

Appearing in court he pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and having no insurance.

A woman sustained serious injuries including two broken legs in early hours crashA woman sustained serious injuries including two broken legs in early hours crash (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Berry said the prosecution categorisation of his culpability and the harm caused meant the starting point was three years in prison. 

READ MORE: 40 weeks in prison for Norwich man after dangerous driving

Magistrates committed him to be sentenced at Norwich Crown Court on October 28 saying it was a “very serious case” that exceeded their powers. 

They ordered a pre-sentence report to look at “all options”.

James Burrows, mitigating, said: “He expresses his unreserved apologies to the victim in this case.”

Following the crash the DVLA had revoked his driving licence on medical grounds, he added.

The court imposed an interim disqualification but at his sentencing Ferreira faces a minimum two year driving ban.