A courageous young woman has revealed how she felt like a 'prisoner in her own body' after being hit by a drunk driver just a week after celebrating her 18th birthday.
Summer Mills, now 20, bravely spoke at Beenleigh District Court in Queensland on Monday, sharing a powerful impact statement about her horror ordeal as driver Samuel Kenneth Koa Potter, 23, was sentenced to four years in jail.
Ms Mills told the court how she spent a month in hospital and feared she was going to lose her leg after terrifying crash in 2021.
Having celebrated her birthday on January 17th, Ms Mills said she was 'excited' about having 'independence and freedom' only for her life to change forever on January 24.
Courageous young woman Summer Mills has revealed how she felt like a 'prisoner in her own body' after being hit by a drunk driver just a week after celebrating her 18th birthday
While on her way to pick up her friend in Creastmead, Queensland with her dog Diesel in tow, Ms Mills was hit by drunk driver, who was three times over the blood alcohol limit.
'Little did I know that my carefree smile as I walked towards my car would be the last smile I would have for a very long time,' she told the court, Courier Mail reported.
Ms Mills also shared how her parents feared the worst after paramedics took an hour to lift her from her car.
'They all thought I was going to die in my first surgery, I felt like a prisoner in my own body.
Summer Mills, now 20, bravely spoke at Beenleigh District Court in Queensland on Monday, sharing how she spent a month in hospital and feared she was going to lose her leg after being hit by drunk driver Samuel Kenneth Koa Potter, 23, in January 2021.
Ms Mills also shared how her parents feared the worst after paramedics took an hour to lift her from her car
'I had three surgeries and was on so much medication I could barely stay awake for more than an hour. I was in so much pain if somebody so much as bumped my bed I would burst into tears.'
In her emotional statement to the court, the young woman added that her 'heart shattered' every time a family member visited her in hospital.
After doing 'exhausting' physio everyday for a month, Ms Mills was eventually discharged, but her recovery was far from over.
'At a time when I should have been saving to move out and enjoying being 18, I was trying to make ends meet because of the financial strain of my medical bills.'
Ms Mills had three surgeries and was on so much medication she could barely stay awake for more than an hour
In a powerful victim statement, the young woman added that her 'heart shattered' every time a family member visited her in hospital. Her leg is pictured after surgery
A year after being discharged from hospital, Ms Mills still 'woke up in pain every morning' and had to call her mum to get her out of bed, put her in a wheelchair and dress her.
'I would then call my dad and he would help me lay on the couch, that is where I would spend most of the day. He had to make all my food and give me medications, which would make me sick,' she said.
'My life and that of my parents had become unrecognisable.
'I couldn't run, jump, dance, swim or move my left knee. I feel like I've been stripped of my basic human abilities.'
In another heartbreaking twist, her family dog Diesel had to be put down.
She told the court taking the dog with her was 'the worst decision of her life' and said she struggled with 'intense guilt' over his death.
After doing 'exhausting' physio everyday for a month, Ms Mills was eventually discharged, but her recovery was far from over
She added to the court taking the dog with her was 'the worst decision of her life' and said she struggled with 'intense guilt' over his death
'I live everyday knowing I was the person that put him in the car. I felt I had disappointed my uncle and it was my job to keep him safe and I had failed. I just kept saying I was "sorry'".'
Potter pleaded guilty dangerous operation of a vehicle causing grievous bodily harm while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance.
He was sentenced to four years' jail, to be suspended after serving 14 months actual prison time.
His license has been disqualified for three years.
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