Train driver recovering after being struck by car

A TRAIN driver run down by a disqualified driver trying to evade police said he “might not be here today” without the quick action of emergency services.

John Dare, 45, from Barry, pictured, was leaving work when he was hit by a car on a busy Cardiff street. He suffered severe head injuries and a broken shoulder and underwent major surgery at the University Hospital of Wales.

Arriva Trains Wales driver John said: “I’d like to thank the emergency services and everyone else who came to help me just after I was hit. Without their quick actions, I might not be here today. I’m just glad that no-one else was hurt too.

“I don’t remember very much about what happened and this has been a very difficult time for our family, so I can only thank my friends and colleagues for all their support throughout.”

John is now recovering at home after several days in hospital.

An Arriva Trains Wales spokesman said: “We are glad to hear John is on the mend and we will support him throughout his recovery.”

A grey BMW was found abandoned nearby after the incident, which occurred at 11.49am on July 26. Mohammad Yousuf Arshad, 23, from Cathays, was arrested on Friday, July 28, and charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was later also charged with aggravated vehicletaking, driving while disqualified, failing to stop after a road traffic collision and using a motor vehicle without insurance.

Arshad appeared before Cardiff magistrates on Saturday. He pleaded guilty to all charges and was remanded in custody. He will be sentenced later this month.