A Barrow woman has appeared before the North and West Cumbria Magistrates Court in Carlisle today (THURS).
Debra May Chapman, 56 gave her address as Crozier Close, Barrow-in-Furness, she pleaded guilty in December to a charge of driving without due care and attention.
The court was told today that on Saturday June 22, 2019 she was driving a Vauxhall Crossland on Bridgegate Avenue in Barrow, when she failed to see a cyclist from her the right and after pulling out in front of him, caused him to collide with her vehicle.
Magistrates were told how the victim was riding his electronic cycle and the collision caused him to go over the car’s bonnet, landing on the ground hitting his head.
This collision has caused significant life-changing injuries to 81-year-old John Craig, he has a brain injury and needs one-to-one personal care, the magistrates were told the pensioner was fit and active and enjoyed his cycling, this injury has caused devastation to him and his family.
Chapman told the court she “was so-sorry this was a momentary lapse of concentration and was very, very sorry”.
She told the court she had a clean driving licence and works as a private dementia nurse, going to patients homes and needs her car to carry out such work.
After lengthy discussions the magistrates explained “this was a distressing case” you were culpable due to your lack of concentration and serious injuries were caused, Chapman has pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and that is the offence she is been sentenced for.
A fine of £230 was imposed with court costs of £85 and a victims surcharge of £30, six-penalty-points were placed on her licence.