Steel erector Gene Bilton suffered severe whiplash and tissue damage to his right arm and is unlikely to work in the industry again, Durham Crown Court heard.

He was in his Vauxhall Vectra and had turned right from the A693 into Drum Industrial Estate, Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, shortly before the accident happened, said Jane Mitford, prosecuting.

The other driver, Frank Armstrong, was driving his Rover in the opposite direction when he decided to overtake a car in front and smashed into the Vauxhall. Both cars were damaged beyond repair.

Mr Bilton, 54, of Chestnut Terrace, Houghton, was trapped in the wreckage and had to be cut free by firefighters.

He was off sick for four weeks and was unable to do his old job when he returned to work, so he had to take a desk post, said Miss Mitford.
Since the accident, he has been made redundant and he believes he will not find work in the industry again the court was told.

A police accident expert who examined the skid mark left by Armstrong's car estimated he had been travelling at 50mph in the 30mph limit.

Armstrong, 29, of Wardle Street, Stanley, admitted dangerous driving on Drum Road, Birtley, at about 7pm on October 17, last year.

Jamie Adams defending, said: "It is a case of a very bad error of judgment.

"Mr Armstrong was going through a difficult time with his partner when this accident happened."

Judge Richard Lowden sentenced Armstrong to a 12-monrth community order, including 120 hours of unpaid work, and banned him from driving for 12 months.

The judge said: "I don't know what got into you when you decided to overtake, you had no chance of overtaking safely.

"It was a gross piece of miscalculation. You were doing 50mph in a 30mph, although it wasn't a residential area."

Armstrong must take an extended test if he wishes to drive after the ban has expired.