The driver of a car which crashed into a pedestrian outside the Dockle Farmhouse pub has been identified as a trainee firefighter.
Liam Waite, of Ferndale Road in Swindon, was driving his car to work just before 6am on November 30, 2022, when he failed to see a pedestrian using the zebra crossing.
The crash on Bridge End Road caused serious injuries to the victim and on Friday, Feburary 23, 2024, Swindon Magistrates' Court heard how the incident was caused by poor visibility and a ‘momentary lapse of concentration’.
“Mr Waite said he was looking forward, but then looked to check his rearview mirror and when he looked forward again he saw the man crossing but did not have enough time to stop," said prosecutor Keith Ballinger.
“The pedestrian was struck by the Ford Fiesta vehicle and required surgery at Southmead Hospital."
The victim, who was in his 30s at the time of the crash, suffered fractures to his fibula, femur and pelvis as well as a small bleed on his brain, and although not life-threatening, the injuries have left him with long-term consequences.
“He said it has been a harrowing and hard few months and he can’t walk for too long and too far,” the prosecutor added.
The crash took place just outside the Dockle Farmhouse pub in the early hours of the morning. (Image: Newsquest)
But despite the seriousness of the crash, 24-year-old Waite has avoided prison.
“The officer that attended the scene described the lighting as foggy and at 6am it would have also been dark,” said Tim Pole, defending.
“One can well imagine how a pedestrian who was stood at the side of the road in the dark before crossing may well have been difficult to see.
Chair of the magistrates' bench David Barrant convicted Waite of causing serious injury by careless driving following a guilty plea, and the trainee firefighter has been issued a 12-month community order including 150 hours of unpaid work and a 12-month ban from driving.
He will also be made to pay costs of £85 and a £114 victim surcharge.
Mr Pole added: “The defendant is an impressive young man who is making a significant contribution to society and who has made an error. He has plainly demonstrated remorse for what happened here."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article