‘Inexplicable episode of dangerous driving’

Motorist mounted pavement and hit man trimming hedge

MOTORIST Laura Middleton left a man seriously injured when she hit him with her car after mounting the pavement.

The 61-year-old carer was driving along a main road when she ‘inexplicably’ drove onto the verge and into the victim, who was trimming a hedge.

The worker, who was wearing a high-vis jacket, was carried on the car for about 15 metres before being flung into the road.

He suffered several injuries, including a bleed on the brain, and has since been diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Stoke-on-trent Crown Court heard Middleton was driving along the A520 Cheddleton Road in Leek when the incident happened.

Prosecutor Andrew Wallace said: “This was an inexplicable episode of seriously dangerous driving.

“The defendant was driving towards Leek at 10.45am. The weather was fine and it was a straight bit of road.

“The victim was employed trimming a hedge. He was standing on the pavement wearing a high-vis jacket when the defendant mounted the pavement and hit him, dragged him along with the car and flung him into the road.

“The defendant’s car mounted the pavement with all four wheels and totally left the road.”

The court was also told of the significant psychological effects the collision, which happened on September 8 last year, has had on the victim.

In a statement read in court, he said: “I have never been so terrified. To this day I don’t know how I came out of that scenario with my life.

“I have been through the most horrible time of my life. The injuries kept me off work for months. I have developed PTSD, my depression and anxiety have kept me awake at night. I have recurring nightmares.” Middleton, of Prince Charles Avenue, Leek, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Scott Ashdown, mitigating, said: “She can’t offer any explanation for the driving.

“She is extremely apologetic, and has been every single day between that day and this. The impact of this case has weighed on her shoulders like a millstone.

“She is caring, responsible and – in all other respects but for this momentary lapse – someone who is a productive member of society.”

Judge David Fletcher sentenced Middleton to 12 months in prison, but suspended the sentence for 18 months.

She must complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 100 hours of unpaid work.

Middleton was also disqualified from driving for two years and until she passes an extended driving test.