Jay Rosario, 19, was riding an e-scooter when he was involved in a collision with a pedal cycle at around 8pm on Sunday, July 28, last year.

Rosario was sentenced to 12 months in prison (Image: Herts Police)Rosario, of Days Close, Hatfield, was sentenced to 12 months in prison following a hearing at St Albans Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday April 16).

He was also handed a two-year driving ban upon release, and ordered to pay a £167 victim surcharge.

The cyclist, a woman aged in her 40s, was taken to the hospital with life-changing head injuries following the incident on Ridgeway last year.

Rosario fled the scene after the collision but was arrested a day later and subsequently charged.

He pleaded guilty to causing serious injury whilst disqualified, failing to stop at a collision, failing to report a collision, driving whilst disqualified and possession of cannabis.

Detective Constable Boris Kahn, from the Serious Collisions Investigation Unit, said: “Not only did Rosario’s careless riding cause a serious collision, which the victim continues to recover from today, he also fled the scene and failed to report it.

“This case shows the dangers e-scooters can pose, and I would like to issue a reminder that it is against the law to ride e-scooters on public land anywhere in the county.

“They can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.

“While they can be used on public land as part of a government trial, there are currently no trials taking place anywhere in Hertfordshire.”

Inspector Amy Sheldon, from the Welwyn Hatfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, added: “We carry out regular patrols in Welwyn Hatfield and are targeting those who use e-scooters in this area.

“If you are caught riding one on a public highway, pavement or cycle lane it could be seized by the police. You could also be reported for driving offences which would lead to significant penalty points and a fine.”