Cyclist suffered spinal injuries in collision after 'momentary lapse' by Sunderland motorist
A motorist distracted by daybreak sun left a cyclist with spinal injuries when he failed to spot him at a Washington roundabout and sent him tumbling, a court heard.
Kevin Malt, 63, smashed into his victim’s back wheel when he pulled out from the slip road of the A1231 Sunderland Highway and onto Pattinson Road, near Teal Farm.
His victim spent three months off work recuperating and Malt, of Halidon Road, Grangetown, also suffered psychologically from his error, his solicitor said.
At South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, he pleaded guilty to a charge of driving without due care and attention on April 7.
Prosecutor Mariam Odetoro said: “At about 6.20am the injured party was riding to work.
“The defendant was driving a Vauxhall Corsa and approached a roundabout but instead of stopping at the ‘give way’, he proceeded ahead and collided, causing him to fall.
“The injured party suffered an acute spinal fracture and had to be off work for three months. He was treated by paramedics at the scene. He had leg and back pain.
“The defendant did not give way at the roundabout. He said in interview that the sun had impacted on his driving. He has no previous convictions.”
Michael Robinson, defending, described Malt’s error as a “momentary lapse of concentration” which could befall any motorist.
He added: “The defendant has come up a ramp towards this roundabout. There was no ‘give way’ sign.
“He saw a car but did not see the cyclist. The light was in his eyes or the glint on the windscreen.
“He saw the car which was far enough away, and pulled out. A witness says that he struck the rear wheel of the cyclist.
“He stopped at that point and got out. He was shocked and put his coat over the injured party who was able to call the emergency services.
“When spoken to by the police later at his house, he was clear that it was his fault.
“He’s a man who’s never been in trouble before. This situation has had an impact on him.
“He was off work for some time and what happened still plays on his mind.”
Magistrates fined Malt £346, imposed four penalty points and ordered him to pay his victim £350 compensation.