Sunderland motorist admits causing collision that left 91-year-old with 13 broken ribs

Robert Slade, 21, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and with cannabis above the limit in his system when he appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

Lorna Rimell, prosecuting, said Slade, of Ashwood Terrace, pulled out from a central reservation on the city’s Chester Road in his Toyota Corolla and into the path of a 91-year-old man who was driving a Nissan Note.

She said: “The 91-year-old has gone straight into the side of him.”

The pensioner was taken to hospital with 13 broken ribs and internal bleeding and was in hospital for more than two weeks.

A passenger in Slade’s car also suffered some injuries, including lower back pain and bruising.

Ms Rimell said: “The defendant was interviewed by police. He said he had smoked two or three joints the day before the accident and had more than that during the week before.”

She said the defendant has no previous convictions.

Michael Robinson, defending, said his client was not speeding at the time.

He said: “He had a black box fitted to his car from which the police were able to analyse the speed he was doing. He was doing about 10mph as he was trying to cross. It goes to show he wasn’t exactly trying to race across other traffic.

“The way the defendant was positioned there must have been a bit of a blind spot because he did look.”

Mr Robinson said Slade, who is employed as a plasterer, had been suffering from anxiety and depression.

He said: “His way of trying to cope with this was self-medication through cannabis.”

The solicitor said: “Clearly this whole event has affected him. He is genuinely concerned for the person involved in the accident.

“He is genuinely remorseful.”

In a victim statement, read to the court by Ms Rimell, the pensioner said he was previously self-sufficient, but now is in constant pain and cannot do the things he used to enjoy, such as going for meals or walks in the park. And, he can no longer care for his wife.

He said: “This collision has had a detrimental effect on my life.”

Slade was banned from driving for 16 months and fined £663 and ordered to pay a £66 surcharge and £85 costs.