Sunderland pensioner crashed into motorbike on way to collect medicine for terminally ill wife, court told

Robert Corkin, 78, admitted driving without due care and attention and without a licence and insurance when he appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

The pensioner, who lives in Sunderland’s Ramsgate Road, told the court that he has since given up driving altogether.

Eve McDonnell, prosecuting, said the accident happened at around 4.45pm on Friday, September 13, as Corkin was driving a Ford Focus car in the Riverside Road area of the city.

She said the motorcyclist was hit by the car as it crossed over into his lane, the bike was knocked over on top of the male rider’s leg.

Ms McDonnell, said: “The Ford began turning into the junction, but cut the corner and went across his side of the road.”

The prosecutor went on to say: “The estimated speed of the defendant was about 10mph, so there is no suggestion of speeding.”

She said the motorcyclist took a bang to his head and was later treated in hospital for his injuries, which included soft tissue damage.

Ms McDonnell, said: “He said he hadn’t seen the motorcycle until it was too late.

“The defendant was interviewed by the police and admitted he was only in possession of a provisional driving licence so he did not hold the appropriate insurance.

“He said as he turned the junction the sun was in his eyes and he clipped the motorcycle.”

Corkin, who was not represented in court, said he had given up driving following the incident.

He said: “There was some mention that I left the scene. I did leave the scene, but it was with the permission of the person involved because I had a prescription to pick up for my wife who is terminally ill.

“When I came back the police were there.”

The pensioner was fined £177 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £32. He also had his driving licence endorsed with nine penalty points.