Army mechanic crashed head-on into couple’s car
A SOLDIER left two pensioners seriously injured by smashing into them head-on while overtaking on the blind brow of a hill in “a moment of madness”.
Army mechanic Kirsten Robb had just left Albemarle Barracks, in Northumberland, when she took the out-of-character gamble to ignore a solid white line and attempt the manoeuvre on the Military Road. Coming the other way were Brian Worth, 73 and Kate Worth, 66, in their BMW.
Mr Worth reacted quickly to try to steer out of the imminent collision but didn’t have time to avoid it, although he was told his actions had probably saved his and his wife’s lives.
They were both seriously injured and it was initially feared that Mr Worth would not survive.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that he has been left a shadow of his old self and both have been left with ongoing problems as a result of their injuries.
It was around 6.30pm on June 13 last year when the crash happened. Robb, 30, was less than a mile from her barracks, driving a Renault Captur.
Mr Worth said: “I was almost at the crest of the hill when a blue vehicle appeared at the crest on my side of the road.”
Neil Pallister, prosecuting, said: “This was less than one second before they collided. He tried to steer to the left but could do nothing to prevent a head-on collision.”
When police arrived, Mr Worth was trapped in the car, his wife was lying on the ground being treated by paramedics and Robb was in an ambulance.
Mr Worth suffered crush injuries and fractures to his limbs, two crushed kneecaps, a broken back and a significant head injury which led to bleeding on the brain.
Mrs Worth suffered injuries including a fractured arm, nerve damage in her shoulder and neck and a dislocated finger that needed operations.
In a victim impact statement, Mr Worth said he was “in so much pain”. He spent three months in Newcastle’s RVI and developed pneumonia.
He continues to suffer pain and reduced mobility from his leg and back injuries and has suffered memory loss and cognitive impairment.
He added that it has impacted on his ability to do things he enjoyed, like gardening and golf, which he may never be able to do again. Mr Worth said: “This has had a huge impact on myself. My life will never return to how it was.”
Mrs Worth said: “I was told I might lose Brian. I couldn’t believe I was going through this again after we lost our son to cancer. I thought I would lose the man I’ve loved for 50 years. Brian is a shadow of his former self and I can’t function like I used to.”
She was in hospital for five weeks and outlined other injuries she said she suffered.
Judge Julie Clemitson said the offence was viewed as “entirely out of character” by those who knew Robb. She added: “Sending you to prison is likely to be the end of your military career.
“I’m confident the consequences of your actions will haunt you every day. I must not lose sight of the fact this was a moment of madness.” Robb admitted two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. She was sentenced to 20 months suspended for two years, banned from driving for two years and must pay £350 costs.
John Greany, defending, said Robb faces military disciplinary proceedings but added that there is a “good prospect of rehabilitation”. He handed in character statements and told the court: “She is genuinely sorry, extremely sorry.”
I thought I would lose the man I’ve loved for 50 years. Brian is a shadow of his former self and I can’t function like I used to Kate Worth