Motorist fined after accident that left cyclist in constant pain

A woman has been fined after pulling out in front of an oncoming bicycle, resulting in an accident which caused severe injury to the cyclist.

Fiona Lorraine Hussey, 38, of Unicorn View, Lerwick, failed to keep a proper lookout for other road users when she pulled out at the Brig o’ Fitch in bright sunlight on 12th April.

She admitted a careless driving charge when she appeared in the dock.

The court heard the cyclist suffered several injuries including a fractured leg, an open wound which required “immediate attention” and 60 staples to hold it together.

He had to have plates and pins put in his leg and in his wrist, which was also fractured.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said the cyclist had required numerous operations in Lerwick and Aberdeen. The cyclist was in “constant pain” and unable to stand for any length of time. He had been left with permanent scarring, had suffered flashbacks and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Defence agent Craig Dewar said there was no dispute that the consequences of the accident had been “severe”.

He said there was bright sunshine, with sun reflecting off road signs. Hussey, a dog grooming assistant who is going self-employed, had stopped at the junction and checked for traffic, but had not seen the cyclist.

“She pled guilty at the first opportunity. She accepts she could have been more careful,” he said, adding his client has suffered from a moment of inattention which had resulted in serious consequences for her and the cyclist.

Sheriff Philip Mann said the incident had had “disastrous consequences”.

“This is another case which demonstrates how careful you have got to be when you get behind the wheel of a car.

“I’m prepared to accept this was a moment’s inattention, although perhaps exacerbated by the fact you did not take adequate care having been dazzled by the sun.”

He fined her £400 and placed four points on her licence.