Court / Cyclist seriously injured in case of careless driving
A SEVENTY six year old man from Shetland’s southend has been disqualified until his next court hearing after colliding with a cyclist, causing serious injury.
In court on Wednesday, Charles Smith, of Sandwick, admitted a charge of careless driving on the road between Dunrossness and Sumburgh on 15 December last year.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the well-known and experienced cyclist was wearing full protective equipment including lights on her bike “but for whatever reason” Smith did not see her.
The collision threw her off her bike and she landed in the roadside ditch.
She was taken to hospital for treatment to multiple injuries.
The fiscal said her recovery had been slow and painful, and the whole episode has had a significant impact mentally and on her confidence.
Smith, representing himself, will have the opportunity to speak in mitigation at the next court hearing on 5 June when he will appear for sentencing. He has been disqualified from driving until then.
Space2face
Space2face Shetland is an independent and confidential service which uses Restorative Justice and the arts to bring those harmed by crime or conflict and those responsible for the harm into communication. We enable everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward.
If you would like to reach out to us, please contact us via e-mail info@space2face.org or mobile 07564 832467.
If you would like to know more, visit our website www.space2face.org, or our Facebook page #space2faceshetland.
The project is also currently fundraising to secure office space in Shetland’s brand-new creativity and wellness centre, The Mission. If you’re interested in getting involved, or making a donation, head over to www.space2face.org/how-you-can-help
