A pedestrian’s leg was broken when a careless driver hit her in Rhyl town centre and then drove away after going into a “blind panic”, a magistrates’ court heard. Liam Davies hit Susan Butterworth when he turned into the town’s busy High Street. The 29-year-old pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by driving without due care and attention at Llandudno magistrates who handed down a suspended jail sentence along with a community penalty for his actions.
Prosecutor Rachael Drew told the court that Davies was at the wheel of an Audi on Wellington Road before he turned right onto the busy high street and failed to stop as members of the public rushed to give first aid to the victim. Police officers were quickly on the scene and they took Mrs Butterworth to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan for urgent medical treatment. The court heard that Davies fled the scene in a “blind panic” and was arrested at his home later.
Mrs Butterworth, in her statement, recounted the ordeal and the extent of her injuries which included two fractures in her right knee, a fractured femur, as well as cuts and concussion, meaning she had to use a leg brace and cast for eight weeks. She also spoke about her distress over the driver’s failure to stop: “The driver should have stopped and checked on me – that would have meant a lot to me.”, reports North Wales Live.
The court also heard how she now experiences anxiety whenever a car approaches too closely, and relies on family support for tasks like shopping. Davies’ defence, presented by Nia Dawson, argued that her client had driven through a green light when Ms Butterworth stepped onto the road, acknowledging that Davies ought to have seen her and prevented the accident. She said: “The weather conditions were really bad. He has flashbacks wishing he had seen her and this would never have happened.”
Mrs Dawson stated that her client was under a “particularly great amount of stress” and was on his way to collect medication. She further added: “He thinks that’s why he did not do the right thing and stop. He knows in his heart that he should have stopped. He was in a blind panic.” Mrs Dawson also expressed disbelief at the length of time it took for the case to reach court, stating it “beggars belief”.
The court also heard today that Davies received a community order in June for a common assault. The court was informed that Davies is making progress on his community order. Bench chairman David Subacchi told the defendant there is a prospect of rehabilitation. Subacchi handed him a 16-week jail term, suspended for 18 months. He must complete 100 hours of unpaid work and attend 40 hours of rehabilitation activity. Davies must also pay £85 costs and a £154 surcharge. He was disqualified from driving for 18 months.