Driver, 81, smashed into biker on motorway
Victim broke his back in crash after pensioner blacked out
A confused pensioner left a biker with a broken back after ploughing into him – then had to ask where he was.
James Burrows, 81, sent William McGrory flying from his motorcycle after slamming into him while weaving across lanes.
Appearing at Paisley Sheriff Court, the former company director admitted dangerous driving and leaving the rider with severe injuries.
Defence lawyer Jack Adair claims his client suffered a blackout behind the wheel and cannot remember ploughing into the biker near the Erskine Bridge.
He said: “Mr Burrows is 81 and, for the last 30 years, he has suffered from diabetes.
“He cont rols this with injections.
“What was happening was some sort of hypoglycemic diabetic attack.
“He seems to have come to on the north side of the Erskine Bridge.
“He had to ask somebody where he was. He has no intention of ever driving again.”
Mr McGrory was rushed to the Royal Alexandra Hospital, in Paisley, after the ordeal.
Doctors revealed he had shattered a vertebrae when he landed on the middle of the M898.
Before the accident, Burrows’ motor was seen parked up at the side of the motorway before pulling away at speed.
Prosecutor Colin Wilson told how other drivers spotted his Audi A3 smashing into the victim.
He said: “Witnesses observed his vehicle to be stationary before accelerating on the hard shoulder and joining the carriageway.
“It was noted the manner of his driving was erratic. He was moving from the hard shoulder across lanes without signalling.
“The rider of the Kawasaki motorcycle noted the accused’s vehicle moving into a lane without signalling.
“He collided with the rear wing on the offside of the motorcycle.
“This caused the vehicle and rider to be thrown into the air.”
Mr Adair told how his client surrendered his licence after the crash last December 14.
Sheriff James Spy banned Burrows from the road.
He said: “You have been disqualified, although that’s of no practical effect.
“You will be disqualified for two years and will have to sit the extended test before you can regain your licence.”
Burrows, of Grove Park, Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire, was also fined £450.
Witnesses observed his vehicle to be stationary before accelerating on the hard shoulder and joining the carriageway