Fury at £120 fine for horror crash driver, 74, on cocaine
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A COCAINE-SNORTING man of 74 has been fined £120 after a 13-year-old cyclist was left fighting for his life in a horror crash.
George Pennick was found to be four times over the “drugdrive” limit when his car was in a collision with the boy.
The child was left critically injured with a brain injury.
Despite his drug reading, prosecutors decided Pennick was not responsible for the lad’s injuries.
His furious family slammed the fine as “very lenient.”
Crown prosecutors decided the youngster rode into the path of Pennick’s Ford and there was “no evidence” the 74-year-old’s driving was at fault for the collision in Norton, Co Durham, last July.
He was arrested, tested and found to be four times over the legal limit for Benzoylecgonine, the breakdown product for cocaine. But no blame was attributed to him for the boy’s injuries. Lawyers for the youngster are now pursuing a rehabilitation package claim.
At Teesside magistrates court Pennick, of Stockton-on-Tees, admitted being behind the wheel while over the drug-driving limit.
He was also banned from driving for a year and told to pay £117 in costs and charges.
The boy’s family – who have asked he remains anonymous – want tougher sentences for drug drivers.
The injured boy was taken by helicopter to Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle where medics battled after the crash.
His family said the drama has had “an indescribable impact on our family and will do so for years ahead as our son recovers”.
They said: “Seeing our son gravely injured and warned he may not pull through is a trauma that will be with us for ever.
“We are so grateful to the medical staff who saved his life, including an off-duty nurse and doctor who happened to be there and whose role was crucial in ensuring he is still with us.”
Cleveland Police had initially charged Pennick with causing serious injury by dangerous driving and getting behind the wheel while influenced by drugs.
But the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Two independent witnesses stated they had seen the injured party ride into the path of George Pennick’s car, despite traffic lights showing a green light to road users.” to save his life