R-plate driver reverses into car, injuring driver

17-year-old pleads guilty to causing serious bodily harm

An R-plate driver who didn't see a car behind him reversed into it, seriously injuring its woman driver.

Seventeen-year-old Thomas Roberts of Bayrauyr Road in Ballasalla appeared before magistrates at Douglas courthouse.

He pleaded guilty to one count of causing serious bodily harm by driving without due care and attention.

Prosecution advocate Barry Swain told the court the incident happened at around 8.30pm on 6 December last year on Battery Pier in Douglas.

Roberts, who was driving on R-plates, spotted a friend and stopped his car before reversing back to speak with him.

However, he drove his Ford Fiesta straight into a Ford KA behind him.

The court heard the woman he hit suffered a broken breastbone which required months to heal.

Roberts was fined £1,250 and ordered to pay £50 towards prosecution costs.
Magistrates also banned him from the roads for a year, until he passes the extended driving test.