A taxi driver who injured four people – including making a woman have a seizure – has been allowed to avoid a driving ban so he can keep his job.
William Hughes, 55, was carrying a passenger when he smashed into the rear of another vehicle on the A9 on January 10 this year.
Hughes, Windsor Terrace, Perth, admitted crashing and injuring four people by driving carelessly on the Perth to Inverness road near Luncarty in Perthshire.
Solicitor David Holmes, defending, told Perth Sheriff Court yesterday that Hughes would lose his job and livelihood if he was disqualified from driving.
Sheriff Keith O’Mahoney said: “I have listened carefully to everything that’s been said. Having regard to all the circumstances I am persuaded that I can deal with it by way of points and a fine.”
He imposed nine penalty points on Hughes’ licence and fined him £400.
Depute fiscal Bill Kermode told the court a line of traffic had been on the A9 when a truck at the front of the queue slowed down to pull into a works exit.
The cars behind slowed, but Hughes failed to notice in time and ploughed into the back of another vehicle at enough speed to injure all of the occupants.
Mr Kermode said: “Tessa Flynn lost consciousness and suffered a seizure.
“She regained consciousness shortly after the collision and was taken to Ninewells Hospital for assessment.”
He said three others were injured and one of them had to take two weeks off work to recover from the severe bruising she had sustained.
Mr Holmes said: “Mr Hughes had been working as a taxi driver in the morning. This was a regular pick-up point and he was familiar with the road.
“There were significant roadworks at the location. He drove into the back of the vehicle.
“He failed to stop in time and regrettably that resulted in injuries.
“This man’s livelihood comes from driving. He has worked 19 years as a taxi driver and has not been charged with careless, reckless or dangerous driving in that time.
“He has prided himself on his driving. He very much regrets this incident.
“He apologises for his inattention, which was momentary but significant.”
arichardson@thecourier.co.uk