A motorist has admitted his careless driving on a main north Cumbria road left a man with serious injuries which could limit his career as a pilot.
Danut-costel Saveluc, 34, appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court this morning.
During a short hearing, Saveluc pleaded guilty to causing Phillip Dowell serious injury by driving a Vauxhall Insignia without due care and attention.
The charge arises out of an incident on the A69 in the Brampton area on September 23 last year while Saveluc was travelling west.
Prosecutor Diane Jackson told magistrates: “He has veered across solid white lines and collided head-on with a Vauxhall Grandland.”
When tested at the scene, Saveluc provided a reading of 74 micrograms of alcohol in 100millilitres of breath. That is slightly above the legal limit, although he faces no drink-drive charge.
“He did make significant comments to officers that he had two large glasses of wine,” said Mrs Jackson. “He did also say there was a dog on the road which he tried to avoid.”
Injuries sustained by Mr Dowell had been substantial and ongoing with a wrist eventually needing to be fused.
The prosecutor added: “It is going to limit his career as a pilot.”
Saveluc, of Merryknowe, Slaggyford, near Alston, had no previous convictions on his record, the court heard.
His case was adjourned for the preparation of a probation service pre-sentence report.
Saveluc was bailed and handed an interim driving ban.
He is due to receive his punishment on July 23 but was told by lead magistrate Lynne Gauntlett that a prison sentence was not being ruled out. “Everything is still on the table,” she told the defendant.
