A dad-of-four is reportedly ‘unable to sleep or work’ after suffering ‘life-chan
ging injuries’ in a crash with a ‘driver fleeing police’. The family of Ian Russell Bell-Hartley claim he suffered a broken back, ribs, toes and burns when another car smashed into his on the A45.
The Birmingham dad, 58, was driving to work on December 13 when he was caught up in a police pursuit, reports CoventryLive. The incident allegedly saw another driver enter the wrong side of the carriageway, before smashing into Ian’s vehicle.
The handyman’s injuries are said to be causing ‘huge financial pressures’ for his family as he’s unable to work. Ian’s mother-in-law, Sheila, said his children are struggling to come to terms with the ordeal and had an awful Christmas.
The 62-year-old told CoventryLive that Ian is “lucky to be alive” but is in “constant pain” due to broken bones and burns all over his face and body. “He is not sleeping and nor is my daughter as she is caring for him,” said Sheila.
“They haven’t really got any money coming in. It’s one of the worst Christmases they’ve ever had.”
Ian with his wife and children
The family usually have a huge get-together but this year were unable to. Sheila added: “My daughter was trying to make it cheerful for the kids, but they didn’t really enjoy it because their dad couldn’t do anything with them.”
On Ian’s road to recovery, Sheila said it “will take a long time”. The family are also facing huge travel costs as Ian makes regular trips from Birmingham to Coventry’s University Hospital for treatment.
