A Newport woman’s ‘momentary lapse of concentration’ left a 77-year-old cyclist with a double leg break after being hit by a car, a court has heard.
Sandra Blake, 59, of Garden Way in Newport, admitted cause serious injury by careless/inconsiderate driving when she appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court this morning (Tuesday).
Prosecutor Lauren McConnell told the court that at 11:50 on 9th April, at the roundabout at the junction with Hunnycross Way and Riverway, a pushbike and a Hyundai i35 collided with one another.
The cyclist travelling from Riverway and attempting to go up Hunnycross Way emerged from the junction where they were hit by Blake – who had just gone past Lidl – as she attempted to turn right towards the industrial estate.
The court heard how the 77-year-old cyclist was ‘thrown in the air’ upon impact and suffered a double leg break to her tibia and fibula.
In a victim personal statement read aloud in court, the victim said:
“I don’t feel any vengeance as I know that people don’t go out to hit a cyclist on purpose, but my life has changed dramatically since the day of the accident”.
Those present in court heard how the victim is now walking with the aid of a crutch and that she has moved home from her house into a more accessible property to allow her to continue her rehabilitation. Lauren McConnell added that the victim worried if she would ever get ‘back to normal’.
Defending Blake, Michael McGoldrick told the court that it was simply a momentary lapse of concentration and that Ms Blake can’t explain how but that she just didn’t see the bike coming towards her as she emerged. He added that the 59-year-old driver – who suffers from various health issues – was deeply sorry and remorseful and that she wished the victim all the best in her ongoing recovery.
Magistrates banned Blake from driving for a total of 12 months and fined her £200. She was also ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £80 surcharge fee.
No Talk of compensation for the poor cyclist! I presume, and hope, there will be a large claim against the driver’s insurers. A double fracture at 77 may well never heal properly! a huge shame.