Student’s driving shame

GIRL’S LEG WAS BROKEN AS SHE WAS PLAYING IN THE STREET

A FOUR-YEAR-OLD’S leg was broken after a Newcastle University student ran over her while she played in the street.

Katy Oliver claimed she was “dazzled” by the sun after injuring the girl. The 20-year-old’s solicitor pleaded for police to possibly punish her with a driving course rather than risk jeopardising the aspiring teacher’s career.

But magistrates refused, warning the third-year student: “It’s fortunate this accident was not much worse.”

North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court heard Oliver’s VW up! struck the girl after turning a corner in Chelmsford Grove, Sandyford, at around 4.45pm.

“A little girl aged four years old was playing in the road with her friends,” said prosecutor Ami Dodd.

“The accident has occurred when the defendant has run over the child and the child has suffered a broken leg.”

At her court hearing, Oliver’s

You have made a mistake but it should not blight the rest of your life Chairman of the bench

solicitor claimed the student “didn’t know the road” and that she hadn’t been speeding.

He asked the Crown Prosecution Service if Northumbria Police could go back and see if she could be cautioned or handed a driving course, rather than face prosecution.

The court heard an investigating officer had supplied a form asking if cautioning Oliver, who had no previous convictions, was possible.

“She hopes to make a career in teaching and I think this way is a sensible way forward,” added her solicitor. But magistrates declined, stating enough time had passed since the October 18 incident for that to be explored.

Oliver, of Bayswater Road, Jesmond, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention.

Her victim is expected to make a full recovery from her “uncomplicated fracture”. But Oliver, who also works at supermarket chain Morrisons, was so devastated at the prospect of court she only told her parents a few weeks before the date.

Magistrates put five points on her licence and fined her £80, reduced due to her early guilty plea and “maximum” cooperation with police.

“You have made a mistake,” said the chair of the bench.

“But it should not blight the rest of your life.”