Company boss from Sunderland who knocked down former employee walks free from court
A company boss who knocked down a former employee with his car has kept his freedom.
Scott Baines was driving his Land Rover Discovery at the same time the victim was putting his bins out when there was a confrontation between the two men, who did not get on.
Newcastle Crown Court heard the victim ended up on the ground with a complex cut to his head that needed ten stitches as well as abrasions and bruising to his elbow and shins.
Prosecutor Ian Windridge said the victim had previously worked for Baines but they “didn't interact well” and there was friction between them.
Mr Windridge added during the Saturday morning confrontation last June, there were “negative aspects on both sides”.
The victim said the offence has been “life changing” and had left him on edge.
Baines, 50, of Attingham Close, Sunderland, admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Judge Tom Moran said after the falling out between the two men the ill-feeling had “festered” for some time.
The judge said Baines had sent the victim an email the day before the offence, which could be seen as threatening in part, but also made an offer to sit down and chat about the situation, which got no response.
Judge Moran said both men could have “stopped or moved away” from the confrontation and accepted the victim had touched Baines’ car, but it is unclear if he was trying to open the door.
The judge told Baines: “You drove towards him, albeit at low speed, and it was sufficient to knock him over. You didn't run him over.”
Judge Moran said Baines did not think the victim was seriously hurt as she got back to his feet straight away.
Baines, who the judge said had established and ran a successful business and was at low risk of re-offending, was sentenced to 14 months, suspended for 12 months.
He was also told to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work, banned from driving for two years and made to pay costs.
Nicholas Lumley KC, defending, said Baines' firm employed 20 people.
The court heard jobs and the company itself could have been put at risk if Baines had been sent to prison.