A driver who hit a motorcyclist resulting in his cardiac arrest and leg amputation has been fined.
Jennifer Roberts, 34, pleaded guilty to careless driving at Swindon Magistrates’ Court this morning (9 February).
The defendant, of Bull Street, in Aston, a village situated between Faringdon and Witney, struck biker Steve Egerton in Kemble Drive on 17 September last year.
He suffered significant leg injuries and suffered a cardiac arrest. Two police vehicles were about five vehicles behind the incident and officers provided life-saving first aid, the court heard.
Roberts turned into the Swindon Designer Outlet car park “too fast” when she collided with the victim’s motorcycle and he was thrown into a passing white Audi.
Wiltshire Air Ambulance landed near the scene and the charity’s critical care medics attended the scene before Mr Egerton was rushed to hospital – where he remained for 99 days.
Whilst it was touch and go for the first few days in hospital, his condition stabilised. Though doctors were forced to remove half of his right leg and he was not discharged until 11 January this year.
Nichola Hutchinson, defending, said her client was “profusely apologising” at the scene and fully cooperated with the police – including by giving a negative sample of breath.
Roberts, supported by her husband in court, is said to be undertaking counselling through her work following the incident, as she is “struggling with what she has done to this motorcyclist”.
Magistrates fined her £444, told her to pay £85 costs and a £44 surcharge. She will also have six points imposed on her driving licence.
