AN off duty police officer was knocked unconscious when a learner driver lost control of his car in a New Forest lane and crashed into the vehicle in which she was travelling.

The accident happened as Lewis Clay was following a friend at speed along Deer-leap Lane, Ashurst, when he careered into a ditch before rebounding on to the road into the path of the other car.

Trainee Detective Constable Deborah Holman and the driver Geoffrey Kinch had to be cut from the wreckage and taken to hospital for treatment.

Southampton Crown Court heard that the officer suffered from post traumatic stress disorder and flashbacks. She needed counselling and had to withdraw from her CID course.

Mr Kinch had also suffered from flashbacks, was still troubled by problems with his left knee and right ankle and no longer drove for pleasure.

Clay, 21, of Rotterdam Towers, Weston, Southamp-ton, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and having no insurance and driving licence.

He was jailed for 12 months, banned for three years and told he must pass an extended test.

In mitigation, David Reid said Clay was not racing his friend or driving competitively.

"He remained at the scene, has expressed genuine remorse and has accepted full responsibility.''