Court / Cyclist seriously injured in case of careless driving
A SEVENTY six year old man from Shetland’s southend has been disqualified until his next court hearing after colliding with a cyclist, causing serious injury.
In court on Wednesday, Charles Smith, of Sandwick, admitted a charge of careless driving on the road between Dunrossness and Sumburgh on 15 December last year.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the well-known and experienced cyclist was wearing full protective equipment including lights on her bike “but for whatever reason” Smith did not see her.
The collision threw her off her bike and she landed in the roadside ditch.
She was taken to hospital for treatment to multiple injuries.
The fiscal said her recovery had been slow and painful, and the whole episode has had a significant impact mentally and on her confidence.
Smith, representing himself, will have the opportunity to speak in mitigation at the next court hearing on 5 June when he will appear for sentencing. He has been disqualified from driving until then.
If you have been affected by crime, help is available. Whether you are victim, a witness, or the accused, you can find independent, impartial, and confidential support in Shetland.
For victims of general crime:
Victim Support Shetland
Phone: 01595744524 or 0800 1601985
Web: https://victimsupport.scot/locations/victim-support-shetland/
Email: VictimSupportHighlandsIslands@victimsupportsco.org.uk
For anyone affected by crime & harm seeking a restorative approach:
Space2face
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Shetland Women’s Aid
Phone: 01595 692070
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The Compass Centre (Shetland Rape Crisis)
Phone: 01595 744402 or 08088 010302
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For anyone affected by substance use:
Shetland Recovery Hub and Community Network
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Email: recoveryhub@shetland.gov.uk
Shetland Alcohol & Drug Partnership
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Web: https://shetlandadp.org.uk
Email: shet.sadp@nhs.scot
Substance Use Recovery Service
Phone: 01595 743006
