A STUDENT knocked down a four-year-old boy - on his way home from his first day back at school - and left him with a fractured pelvis.

Sanya Nadeem, 24, drove through a red light on Moss Bank Way, on November 9, while a group of people were crossing the road as the traffic lights said it was safe to do so, Bolton Crown Court heard.

Along with his older sister Danielle, four-year-old Elliott Jones was crossing the road when he was struck by her car.

Criminology masters student Nadeem, 24, was behind the wheel, after visiting her friend’s house.

Nadeem had received a text from an ex-partner which caused her concern, and was also said to be experiencing dark thoughts, the court was told.

The boy’s mother, Nicola Jones, said Elliott had been excited after his first day back at school in three weeks due to Covid isolation.

She recalled walking into Manchester Trauma Centre after he was knocked down and being greeted by more than 20 doctors - and was unsure of her son’s fate for “what felt like a lifetime”.

Nadeem, of Clyde Road, Bolton, admitted to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Bob Sastry, prosecuting, said Elliott suffered a fractured pelvis as well as lacerations to his ears and skull.

Helena Williams, defending, said Nadeem is genuinely remorseful for her actions.

She added: “My client pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and she had a troubled upbringing which involved domestic violence. She has now set up a charity, called Seek Me, which aims to help domestic abuse survivors.

“She went through an increasingly low period after causing Elliott to suffer - but she has seen a GP and other medical professionals for this.

The court heard Nadeem stayed at the scene of the crash and assisted in calling the emergency services.

Passing sentence, Judge Graeme Smith told Nadeem: “What happened could be described any mother’s nightmare - or in this case, any big sister’s worst nightmare.

“Elliott’s sister Danielle had to see her little brother being flung through the air. I can’t imagine how utterly terrifying that would have been for the family members involved.

“Fortunately, he has made a complete recovery. But there is no complete explanation as to why this happened. You were not under the influence of drugs or alcohol and you weren’t on your phone. I don’t think we will never know exactly what happened.”

She was given a 16-month suspended prison sentence,with 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days. She was also banned from driving for two years.