A driver has been fined £613 despite causing a crash that left a woman cyclist with such serious injuries that she required emergency surgery and has still not recovered.

Andrzej Pietrzak, 66, said a ‘momentary lapse’ in concentration had seen him pull out, hitting the woman as she peddled past a junction in the NR3 area of Norwich.

Emergency services were called to Bull Close Road following the collision involving his Peugeot 307 at 5.39am on January 16 this year.

Norwich Magistrates Court was told the crash had left the woman with serious leg injuries including a broken tibia and fibula.

Sarah Fiddy, prosecuting, said she had since had to undergo surgeries and had been told it might take a year for her to make a full recovery.

Pietrzak, of Legarda Court, off Sprowston Road in Norwich, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury due to careless driving.

Ms Fiddy said the cyclist was a “vulnerable road user” and had her bike lights on when he pulled into her path at the junction of Bull Close Road and Charlton Road.

Gina Mattioli, mitigating, said he was “extremely apologetic”.

“He was waiting for another vehicle to pass and unfortunately pulled out without seeing the cyclist who was somewhat hidden behind another car,” she said.

“He has been driving for 37 years without any issues. This has terrified him and he hasn’t driven since, instead taking the bus to work.”

Despite both prosecution and defence agreeing he should be subject to a community sentence, magistrates said they had decided instead to fine him £617 and that he pay costs of £390.

The case comes amid renewed appeals for drivers to take extra care in the city after a woman died and another rider was seriously injured.

Norwich Cycling Campaign's Derek Williams said: "It only takes a little lapse in concentration and it can cause a lot of problems.”

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/23805040.norwich-driver-fined-617-serious-nr3-cyclist-crash/

On 21/09/2023 10:19, Simon Mason wrote:

> A driver has been fined £613 despite causing a crash that left a woman cyclist with such serious injuries that she required emergency surgery and has still not recovered.

"Despite"?

Are you suggesting that he should have had an absolute discharge? If you
are, that would be refreshing.

> Andrzej Pietrzak, 66, said a ‘momentary lapse’ in concentration had seen him pull out, hitting the woman as she peddled past a junction in the NR3 area of Norwich.

What was she peddling while she (presumably) pedalled?

PS: Your line-length is truly appalling.

One thought you had some pretensions to being IT semi-literate.

QUOTE: “He has been driving for 37 years without any issues. This has terrified him and he hasn’t driven since, instead taking the bus to work.” ENDS

A very wise decision by the criminal driver - well done!

Simon Mason <swldxer1958@gmail.com> wrote:
> QUOTE: “He has been driving for 37 years without any issues. This has
> terrified him and he hasn’t driven since, instead taking the bus to work.” ENDS
>
> A very wise decision by the criminal driver - well done!

Wait until the flu and covid seasons start…public transport can be
‘interesting’ in that regard.

--
Spike

QUOTE: Ms Fiddy said the cyclist was a “vulnerable road user” and had her bike lights on when he pulled into her path at the junction of Bull Close Road and Charlton Road. ENDS

Ah - but were they high intesity arc lamps?

On 21/09/2023 15:56, Spike wrote:

> Simon Mason <swldxer1958@gmail.com> wrote:
>> QUOTE: “He has been driving for 37 years without any issues. This has
>> terrified him and he hasn’t driven since, instead taking the bus to work.” ENDS
>>
>> A very wise decision by the criminal driver - well done!
>
> Wait until the flu and covid seasons start…public transport can be
> ‘interesting’ in that regard.

I took a bus last night (suburban hotel to downtown area). $10 return.

I was the only passenger going in (I wanted to have a few PBRs so didn't
drive).

There were a few more going back at 12:30 am.

QUOTE: A driver has been fined £613 despite causing a crash that left a woman cyclist with such serious injuries that she required emergency surgery and has still not recovered. ENDS

Pathetic fine there.

Simon Mason <swldxer1958@gmail.com> wrote:
> QUOTE: A driver has been fined £613 despite causing a crash that left a
> woman cyclist with such serious injuries that she required emergency
> surgery and has still not recovered. ENDS
>
> Pathetic fine there.

Kill someone with a bicycle and the punishment seem to range from walking
free to a two-grand fine.

By that measure £613 is steep.

--
Spike

QUOTE: Norwich Cycling Campaign's Derek Williams said: "It only takes a little lapse in concentration and it can cause a lot of problems.” ENDS

In this case for the driver as he has vowed not to drive again - a self-imposed ban.

Simon Mason <swldxer1958@gmail.com> wrote:
> QUOTE: Norwich Cycling Campaign's Derek Williams said: "It only takes a
> little lapse in concentration and it can cause a lot of problems.” ENDS
>
> In this case for the driver as he has vowed not to drive again - a self-imposed ban.

A self-imposed ban that could be ended tomorrow.

--
Spike

QUOTE: Sarah Fiddy, prosecuting, said she had since had to undergo surgeries and had been told it might take a year for her to make a full recovery. ENDS

A year's worth of compo will be a pretty penny!