News / Careless driving
AN APPRENTICE joiner from Bressay who struck a former work colleague while rushing for the ferry was allowed to keep his licence on Thursday at Lerwick Sheriff Court.
Eighteen year old Calum Williamson, of 7 Fullaburn, admitted careless driving on the unclassified road outside the island’s Maryfield Hotel on 16 November.
The court heard that as he drove at about 40mph over a blind summit while heading for the boat he had suddenly been confronted by a “scattering” of people wandering along the middle of the road.
Defence agent Tommy Allan said Williamson tried to avoid them, but ended up hitting one man who was thrown over the bonnet of the car and ended up in hospital with a bleeding brain, though he has since made a complete recovery.
He said that he had immediately gone to fetch his father, cooperated with the police and his main concern was for the welfare of his ex colleague.
“He got a bit of a gluff by the whole thing and has been far more careful about his driving since the whole thing,” he said.
Sheriff Philip Mann said Williamson could keep his licence, but it will be downgraded to a provisional after he awarded six penalty points on top of a £400 fine.
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