A teenage motorist crashed head-on into another car inflicting devastating injuries to the driver.

Clara Furminger lost a leg in the horrific accident and also suffered broken ribs, a collapsed lung and her left arm and right leg were both broken in several places.

She was in hospital for six months after the crash and endured 18 operations in the first four months.

Driver Benjamin Long, 19, admitted dangerous driving when he appeared at Lewes Crown Court and was sentenced to nine months in a young offenders' institution.

Ms Furminger, who now uses a wheelchair, was in court to see him sentenced.

She sat weeping throughout the hearing as the court heard how the accident dramatically changed her life.

After the crash, she described to police how she felt she was now a prisoner because she could no longer go out and do whatever she wanted.

Judge Charles Kemp told Long the accident had a catastrophic effect on her life.

He said: "It appears her life is completely destroyed. That has happened because of a split second decision taken by you. It was a bad judgement with disastrous consequences.

"During the time you are in custody you will reflect upon the extent you have ruined the life of another human being."

The court heard the accident happened at about 6.20am on the morning of January 15 as Long, a factory production assistant, was driving to work along the A22 at Nutley, near Uckfield.

Ms Furminger, who was travelling in the opposite direction, was going to a friend's home to help her clean her house.

Stephen Shay, prosecuting, said as Long overtook the car in front he crossed on to the wrong side of the road and crashed into Ms Furminger's vehicle.

He said: "Sadly there was a head-on collision with her car causing her catastrophic injuries. He has little recollection of the collision.

"The essence of the dangerous driving was Ms Furminger was there to be seen if he had been keeping a proper look out."

The court heard her active life has now changed for ever.

Oliver Millington, defending, said the accident was caused by a momentary lapse of judgement. He said Long, who suffered a broken knee and injuries to his ankle and ribs, had expressed remorse and regret. He said: "Clearly he is going to have to live with the consequences of what he has done for the rest of his life.

"He felt sick when he found out the extent of Ms Furminger's injuries. He wants to write a letter of apology but didn't want to do so before he had been sentenced."

Long, of Domenica Court, Soverign Harbour, Eastbourne, was banned from driving for three years.