An Angus van driver who left a motorcyclist needing metal plates inserted in his wrist after a horrific road crash has been banned for two years.
Former nurse Gordon Huggins helped his victim Robert Nelson at the scene until an ambulance crew arrived.
32-year-old Mr Nelson was rushed to Ninewells and found to have fractured both wrists.
Huggins has not driven in the seven and a half months since he seriously injured the biker, Forfar Sheriff Court heard.
The 61-year-old was fined £1,040 after he pled guilty to careless driving.
Admission
Last month, Huggins wrote to the court, admitting “seriously injuring” Mr Nelson on the A930 near its junction with the slip road to the A92 on the afternoon of September 14 last year.
Huggins, of Ladyloan in Arbroath, failed to give way and cut across the biker’s path on the road between Muirdrum and Carnoustie.
Fiscal depute Sam Craib said: “At the time it was daylight, sunny and fair.
“The road conditions were dry with good visibility. Traffic was light.
“Two witnesses observed the complainer riding his motorcycle.
“He was seen to be travelling considerably below the 60mph limit.”
Mr Craib explained Huggins turned into the filter lane as though to join the slip road and continued into Mr Nelson’s path.
This left the biker “no time to react.”
The vehicles collided and Mr Nelson was thrown onto Huggins’ windscreen, which smashed.
Mr Nelson then fell to the ground at the wheels of a tractor.
Lasting effect of injuries
Emergency services attended and closed the road for around two and a half hours.
Mr Nelson suffered a fractured right wrist, which required an operation to have metal plates inserted.
Metal wires were needed to repair damage to fingers on his right hand.
He also suffered a fracture to his left wrist and a swollen testicle.
Mr Craib said it is “likely” Mr Nelson will now suffer arthritis in his hands.
Tragedy
Sentencing had been deferred for Huggins to be personally present.
His solicitor Keith Sym said: “He takes this matter very seriously.
“Since this incident, he’s not driven.
“He’s completely lost all confidence.
“Effectively, he’s had a self-imposed disqualification from driving.
“He used to be a nurse prior to ill-health. He offered assistance until others arrived.
“This is simply a case where he didn’t see him at all. He can offer no explanation.
“Members of his family are motorcyclists. Friends of his are motorcyclists.
“He very much regrets he simply didn’t see Mr Nelson’s bike.”
Sentencing, Sheriff Garry Sutherland said: “It’s tragic this has happened.
“The impact on the complainer is tragic. The impact on you is tragic.
“I must impose a period of disqualification.”
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