The court heard Al Soaimi was born in Kuwait and moved to the UK when he was aged about 11, settling in Newcastle where he obtained GCSEs.
He was studying business at Newcastle College at the time of the crash, but had to give it up due to the serious injuries he suffered, which included a bleed to the brain, multiple fractures to his right leg, seven broken ribs and a broken arm.
He has since moved to Sheffield with his family, who are appealing a rejection of their asylum status, for a “fresh start”, his barrister Rachel Hedworth said.
She told the court Al Soaimi made the “absolutely stupid” and “completely irrational” decision to buy the car and he was genuinely remorseful for causing the crash.
Recorder Anthony Dunne said Al Soaimi had “no right” to be driving and it was “difficult to believe no-one was killed” in the crash.
Al Soaimi, of Jenkin Road in Sheffield, was also banned from driving for three years and two months and will have to pass an extended driving test.
