A driver who admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving has today (10 April) been banned from driving for two years.
Jordan Watson, 26, of Marton, Ulverston, admitted the offence mid-trial and was sentenced today at Preston Crown Court.
The court heard how the offence arose out of an incident on 6 February 2018, at around 9.20pm when Watson was driving a car in Broughton Road, Dalton-in-Furness, during hours of darkness.
The injured-party described how he was walking his dog when he saw a car pass him at around 50mph. The dog-walker said he turned his torch into the road and onto his dog so the driver could see where they were but the car passed them very close.
The man then shined his torch at the rear of the car in an effort to let the driver know he had passed too close.
However, the car braked to a stop and the driver reversed towards him, colliding with the dog walker.
The injured dog-walker was taken to hospital and had suffered five fractures – to his right tibia, fibia and ankle. Treatment for the injuries included needing a ten-inch ‘nail’ inserting into his leg, as well as plates and screws.
In his police interview, Watson accepted he had stopped and reversed back up the road before colliding with the man.
He denied he had been angry prior to the collision occurring. However, Watson admitted the offence at court.
Watson was banned from driving for two years and must also take an extended re-test to regain his license. He was also sentenced to a 12-month community order comprising 180 hours of unpaid work and an eight week 9pm until 6am curfew.
Police Constable Simon Smith said: “This incident has left the innocent victim with life-altering injuries which could have an impact on the rest of his life.
“It was clear from the investigation that he was driving dangerously when he put the car into reverse and started back towards the dog walker. His actions at the wheel were carried out on a dark country lane with no street lighting. While reversing, he stated he was also trying to put his passenger-side window down. He admitted in interview he could not properly see what was behind him as the rear window was misted up and the torch was shining at his car – yet did not think to stop reversing despite knowing the pedestrian and his dog were there.
“Hopefully this incident shows the serious consequences dangerous driving can have – both for the driver and the victim.”
