VICKY Kelcher was an normal teenager until one fateful night when she was mown down by a drink driver and left fighting for her life.This year the 17-year-old was looking forward to a celebrating her return to health - until she found herself starring in to the eyes of the man who had ruined her Christmas in 2001, and left her with devastating injuries.

By Victoria Knowles

VICKY Kelcher was an normal teenager until one fateful night when she was mown down by a drink driver and left fighting for her life.

This year the 17-year-old was determined to celebrate her return to health - until she found herself starring in to the eyes of the man who had ruined her Christmas in 2001, and left her with devastating injuries.

On Christmas Eve this year, Vicky and her boyfriend Ty Freer were out in Felixstowe town centre when they saw Peter Whalley, the man who pinned her to the wall with his car, out with his family.

To make matters worse, although he was not driving Whalley was sitting in a car which prompted Miss Kelcher to relive her nightmare once again.

"It was just terrible and ruined our celebrations. At first we couldn't believe it then Vicky had to walk away because she just couldn't handle it," said 19-year-old Mr Freer.

"Obviously we did not speak but it was devastating to see him out with his family after what he did. He should still be in prison as he took so much of her life away. I had to stare for a while because I just could not believe it. I just want people to know that this man should still be inside and not enjoying himself with his family.

"Although he was not driving, to actually see him in a car made it worse and I know it really affected Vicky," he added angrily.

Felixstowe businessman Mr Whalley, was driving his black Mercedes on Garrison Lane, Felixstowe on December 8 last year. Miss Kelcher, of Chaucer Road, Felixstowe, was walking along with Mr Freer when the car pinned her against the wall of Mays Court sheltered housing complex.

Mr Freer was thrown free but his girlfriend suffered a crushed pelvis and broken leg.

She had to endure many operations at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital and it was feared that she may never have children because of the terrible injuries she suffered.

Whalley, who had drunk more than twice the legal limit of alcohol, was given an eight-month prison sentence in October. During his trial at Ipswich Crown Court he said he suffered nightmares since the accident and that he had made a mistake with terrible consequences.

Mr Freer said they will never forget that night and its consequences but that they were determined to enjoy the rest of the festive season.

"Vicky saw none of Christmas last year because of this man and to see him this year certainly took the edge of it. But we were determined not to let it spoil the rest of the holiday. I don't know why he was about, all I know is that he took so much away and it is not right that he is out.

"Vicky is doing very well now no thanks to him and I know we will make the most of everything," he added.