BREAKING: A taxi driver has been sentenced after a serious collision left a cyclist with a broken spine and elbow on a main road in Cramlington, Northumberland. Garry Anderson, 59, crashed into the victim in the early hours of April 5, despite her wearing bright yellow reflective gear and having flashing lights on her bicycle.
The victim, who had begun her ride at 4:30 AM from Gosforth to Lynemouth, joined the A1068 Fisher Lane but remembers nothing after that until waking up in an ambulance. Anderson reportedly lost concentration for a brief moment and did not see the cyclist before colliding with her.
After the crash, the cyclist was rushed to a hospital and later transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where doctors discovered multiple injuries, including fractures. She spent several days hospitalized but has since been discharged.
Anderson remained at the scene and contacted emergency services. He pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving and has since lost his driving license for 12 months. He was also fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 in costs and an £85 victim surcharge.
During the court proceedings at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court this week, prosecutor Paul Anderson highlighted the victim’s lack of recollection of the event until awakening in the ambulance. “She was cycling between Gosforth and Lynemouth on April 5,” he stated, emphasizing the gravity of her injuries.
Defense attorney Graham Crouth described the crash location as poorly lit, with the road merging from dual to single lanes, making it difficult for drivers to see cyclists. Crouth noted, “Mr. Anderson says he absolutely should have seen the cyclist. It was dark, and the road bent, and he just didn’t see her.”
Chairing magistrate Win Clayton acknowledged the tragic nature of the incident, stating, “This was a terrible event for all concerned. You did everything in your power that day to get help immediately for that lady.” He characterized the incident as a “momentary lapse of concentration” that should not have happened.
The victim has not expressed any ill feelings towards Anderson, highlighting the emotional complexity surrounding the case.
This incident underscores the ongoing concerns about road safety for cyclists and the critical need for drivers to remain vigilant, particularly in low-light conditions.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
