Driver was in pub before crash that changed pairs’ life

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A BMW driver knocked a husband and wife off their Harley Davidson motorbike after racing to pull out ahead of another car, it has been alleged.

Car dealer Jeremy Mullins had been drinking in a pub before the crash, which left the two victims with life-changing injuries, a jury has heard.

Motorcyclist Steven Hedges needed to have a leg amputation while his wife, Joanne, may never bend one of her legs again after being taken to a London hospital.

Now Mullins, 62, of Albert Street, Whitstable, has gone on trial accused of causing serious injuries by driving dangerously on the A2050 Faulkner’s Lane in Harbledown.

Prosecutor Anthony Prosser told Canterbury Crown Court that the accident happened 2.30pm on November 28 last year as the BMW was turning right out of a T-junction.

“In doing so, he drove straight into the side of the motorcycle,” Mr Prosser said.

“As a result, Mr Hedge’s left leg had to be amputated below the knee and Mrs Hedges’ left leg was shortened and may never properly bend again.”

The prosecutor said Mullins accepted that his failure to see the motorcycle before the collision was careless driving but the prosecution claim it was dangerous driving.

“The Crown say that the motorcycle had its headlights on and must have been in plain view before the defendant pulled into its path,” he said.

“And we say the defendant had been drinking alcohol shortly before the collision.

“A motorist coming in the other direction said the defendant appeared to be trying to race out to get into the road ahead.”

Mr and Mrs Hedges, from Gravesend, had spent the day visiting the city, and particular the Cathedral, when they were struck by Mullins’ car.

Mr Prosser said an eyewitness later told police he had seen “the explosion and heard the impact”.

Mullins was breathalysed and had 36 micrograms of alcohol in 100ml of his breath – one microgram above the legal limit.

“Two hours after the collision, Mullins was given another test and was still over the limit,” he claimed.

Mr Prosser added that scientists have made a “back calculation” and estimated the breathalcohol reading to be between 44 micrograms and 66 micrograms at the time of the crash.

“The Crown say that this collision was entirely the fault of the defendant,” he added.

The prosecution alleged that Mullins had denied drinking that day but an examination of his mobile had revealed he had met a friend at The Old Coach and Horses pub in Harledown.

The trial continues.