Tony Murray made the comment when Edwards appeared in Albury Local Court for sentencing after hitting two people with his car at Jerilderie last year when heavily intoxicated.

One of the victims suffered a broken leg with a bone sticking through the skin and has since had a series of operations in Melbourne for skin and muscle grafts.

“After the two collisions, you simply drove off,” Mr Murray said.

Edwards, 22, of Glendaloch Street, appeared for sentencing on charges of high-range drink-driving, aggravated dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, driving furiously causing bodily harm and failing to stop and assist after a vehicle impact caused grievous bodily harm.

Mr Murray imposed an 18-month jail sentence with a minimum period of six months.

He said Edwards only obtained his driver’s licence in June last year and was a probationary driver with a zero blood alcohol limit when the incidents happened in August.

Edwards was with other people outside the Jerilderie hotel when they clashed with another group just after 1am.

He got into a black Subaru Impreza and after a short time drove towards the two groups.

One person was thrown over the car’s bonnet, suffering minor injuries.

Edwards decided to turn around and head back towards the two groups.

This time he hit a second man, who suffered a broken right leg with a bone puncturing the skin.

Edwards was later arrested by police and a breath analysis at the Finley police station gave a blood alcohol reading of 0.187.

He admitted drinking 12 bottles of Carlton Dry between 6pm and 1am.

Solicitor Joy Kirby said Edwards panicked after the confrontation and his intoxication impacted on his reasoning.

“He accepts that his actions were reprehensible,” Ms Kirby said.

She said Edwards was remorseful for what he had done and never intended to hurt anyone.