Driver to pay cyclist

A Blenheim driver who crashed into a cyclist, flinging her on the bonnet of the car before she rolled onto the road, has been told to pay $800 to the victim.

Sally Ann Barnett, 32, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless driving causing injury in the Blenheim District Court this week.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Graham Single said on the afternoon of February 10, Barnett had parked in Taylor Cres to check her son had not taken his child restraint off.

Pulling out into Stephenson St, she failed to see the approaching cyclist, who crashed into the side of Barnett's car. Mr Single said the cyclist was flung on the bonnet, rolled onto the windscreen and then fell on the road when Barnett braked sharply.

He said the cyclist was wearing a helmet but suffered a head injury that caused retrograde amnesia, where patients lose memory of events before the injury, and had lacerations to her hands. She spent two days in Wairau Hospital.

Lawyer Bryony Millar said Barnett took full responsibility for the crash and afterwards had stayed with the injured woman until she was taken to hospital. She said Barnett was concerned about the victim and had maintained contact with her.

Judge Tony Zohrab said Barnett had no intention of driving badly and he did not doubt her genuine concern for the victim.

He disqualified her from driving for six months and instead of imposing a fine ordered her to pay $800 emotional harm reparation to the victim.

The Marlborough Express

Last updated 12:00 21/04/2010