Scooter rider suffered ruptured spleen in crash

A scooter rider was left with a ruptured spleen following a crash with a U-turning driver from Hartlepool.
The case was heard at Teesside Crown Court.The case was heard at Teesside Crown Court.
The case was heard at Teesside Crown Court.

The 52-year-old suffered a ruptured spleen and psychological harm he described as 'serious'.

Car driver Susan Breed sobbed in the dock of Teesside Magistrates' Court as details of the impact of her driving were read by prosecutor David Ward.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The scooter rider says he used to be a fit and active man who was never in the house," said Mr Ward.

"He says he now rarely goes out, having lost a lot of confidence.

"He describes no longer being able to take part in sporting activities with his children and grandchildren which he used to very much enjoy.

"There has also been a financial implication in that he has spent most of his savings on day-to-day living costs.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"He says his quality of life has gone and all he wants is to get back to work and a normal family life, but that looks impossible at the moment."

The court heard the crash happened in the early morning on Teesport Road in Middlesbrough.

"The defendant had left her home in Hartlepool at about 6.30am to pick up her son," said Mr Ward.

"The scooter rider describes seeing her Renault Megane in front of him about to move out from the nearside of the road.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"He thought the car was going to join the carriageway, but instead it began to make a U-turn and a collision was inevitable."

"The defendant cooperated fully with the police, telling them she simply did not see the scooter"

Breed, 47, of Grange Road, Hartlepool, denied causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

She admitted the lesser charge of careless driving.

Dave Smith, defending, said Breed had never been in any trouble in the past.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"She is desperately sorry for the impact this has had on the scooter rider," added Mr Smith.

"It was a momentary lapse of concentration, which she has always accepted.

"It was a split second decision which has had tragic consequences.

"Ms Breed is remorseful and cannot apologise enough to the scooter rider.

"She is on anti-depressants as a result of what happened.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The court can be confident it won't happen again because Ms Breed assures me she is permanently finished with driving."

Mr Smith said Breed was insured which meant the scooter rider should receive compensation for the crash.

Breed was given six driving licence penalty points and ordered to pay £195 in fines and costs.