Student’s driving ban after knocking woman off bike
A STUDENT from Ashbourne has admitted causing a crash that saw him knock down a motorcyclist who was on her way to work on a busy street.
A court heard how Joshua Steadman, from Shirley, did not see the biker when he pulled out straight in front of her at the Thulston roundabout of the A6 bypass in Derby.
The hearing was told how the woman, who was not named, was sent sprawling on to the bonnet of the 22-year-old’s car and had to be taken to hospital for X-rays and scans.
The incident, at 5.40pm on June 13, saw the dual carriageway closed for a number of hours while collision investigators carried out their work.
Now Steadman, of Meadowside Close, has been disqualified from driving for six months after pleading guilty to driving without due care and attention.
Lynn Bickley, prosecuting at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court, read out a victim impact statement made by the female rider.
In it she said: “Three weeks after the collision I still had pain in my left leg and I was using crutches to walk.
“I was not able to go on holiday or attend a charity motorcycle ride I was planning on gong on. My insurers have told me the bike, which cost me £4,100, is a write-off and my insurance excess is £2,000.
“I am unable to go to the gym due to my mobility issues and I was not able to get out and about and see family. I am now a lot more wary when I am travelling in vehicles.”
Miss Bickley said the rider was on her way to work on the A6 at Alvaston when the crash happened.
She said the woman slowed down as she approached the roundabout and, seeing it was clear, continued to pull forward.
Miss Bickley said: “A car being driven by the defendant unexpectedly came across the junction after failing to give way as he should have done. There was a collision and she was sent onto the bonnet of his car and then on to the road.
“An ambulance took her to accident and emergency at the hospital and X-rays and tests were carried out. She suffered a blood clot to her left leg and ligament damage.”
Miss Bickley said Steadman was arrested and in interview made full admission to being responsible for causing the collision. She said he told officers “the motorcycle must have been hidden from view by another vehicle”.
Representing himself in court, Steadman said he lived at home with his parents and is currently studying at the University of Derby and that if he lost his licence it would affect his ability to get to Derby for classes.
Asked by District Judge Andrew Meachin if there was anything else he would like to say, Steadman replied “no”.
Judge Meachin fined him £118 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge. He also disqualified Steadman from driving for six months.
He said: “This is a serious offence. You caused significant injury to a young girl who was riding her motorcycle to work.”