Careless learner driver left motorbike rider with life changing injuries after collision in Clipstone
A careless learner driver left a motorbike rider with life changing injuries after suddenly swerving into him in Clipstone, a court has heard.
Curtis Brooks was being supervised by his partner with their two young children in the back when the collision happened on the roundabout between Cavendish Way and Mansfield Road at 4.20pm on June 13 last year.
Lynn Bickley, prosecuting, said his partner was talking on the phone when Brooks turned sharply for no clear reason.
Passersby rushed to the rider's aid and he was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre where he was treated for multiple fractures to his neck, spine, collarbone, and 13 ribs.
He also sustained a punctured lung and and nerve damage, and he has developed complications from a brain injury, Ms Bickley said.
In a statement, Brooks’ victim described himself as previously being a “fit and independent” man, who enjoyed playing games with his grandchildren, but is now dependent on his wife as he faces an uncertain recovery and constant pain.
The injured man's wife broke down in tears as she told the court of her heartache and the devastation their family felt.
She spoke of their trauma at seeing him in intensive care, the impact the accident had on all their lives, and the ongoing challenges presented by her husband’s injuries.
Brooks initially claimed another vehicle caused him to swerve but nothing was seen when dashcam footage was examined.
Tests showed he had earlier consumed a pint of beer and a cannabis joint the night before, but the levels of alcohol and drugs in his system were below legal limits.
“What has happened was a tragic accident,” Paige Tugby, mitigating, said. "Mr Brooks accepts his responsibility and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.
"He doesn’t present a high risk of re-offending. Imprisonment would have a significant impact on his family.
“He is truly sorry for what happened. He has no intention of learning to drive. This incident has put the fear of God into him."
Brooks, 32, of Manvers View, Boughton, admitted causing serious injury by careless driving, when he appeared at Mansfield Magistrates Court on December 23.
On Thursday, he received a 24-week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, with 200 hours of unpaid work, and 12 rehabilitation days. He was banned for one year.