Motorcylist left with fractures along spine

Rory Michael Crilly, Carrigart Crescent, Craigavon, admitted causing grievous bodily injury by driving without due care and attention on November 12 last year.

He was given 80 hours community service and banned from driving for 12 months.

Craigavon Magistrates Court heard that around 7am the ambulance service had to deal with a road traffic collision between a car and a motorcycle on the Lough Road, Lurgan.

The motorcyclist had been travelling from the M1 towards Lurgan when a car, driven by the defendant, coming from the opposite direction turned across its path going into a service station.

The rider of the motorcycle was catapulted off his bike and onto the road.

Crilly said that he simply did not see the motorcycle.

The victim suffered multiple fractures along the length of his spine and numerous other bruises.

The case had been adjourned from a previous court so that a pre-sentence report could be obtained.

A solicitor representing the defendant handed in a reference to the court.

He said that the reference showed his client was a man of good character with a clear record.

The solicitor added that this was a momentary lapse of concentration when he saw a car coming but did not see the bike behind it.

He said that unfortunately in this case the victim suffered significant injury and the defendant had shown remorse and concern for the welfare of the injured party.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said this was a most unfortunate case for everyone and the defendant had simply not seen the motorcyclist.

He added there was no doubting Crilly’s remorse and his good character.