Shropshire Star

Dog walker hit by driver at Telford car park

A Telford motorist swore at a dog walker he had just hit with his car before driving off to go shopping, a court heard.

Published

Michael Gronland also told Nicholas Thomas to "watch where he was going" after striking him with his Volvo estate at the entrance to shops in Ketley, Telford magistrates were told.

Gronland, of Lake End Drive, Holmer Lake, admitted failing to stop after an accident which caused injury to Mr Thomas outside the entrance to Farm Foods in Holyhead Road, Ketley.

He was ordered to pay £645 and his driving licence was endorsed with five penalty points.

Mr Chris Coughlin, prosecuting, said Mr Thomas was out walking his dog.

"The collision caused him some pain and discomfort, although he managed to stay on his feet."

Mr Coughlin said 55-year-old Gronland offered no apology, and swore at Mr Thomas, saying: "You should watch where you are going."

Mr Mike Freeman, for Gronland, said his client, an engineer, had a clean driving licence and no previous convictions.

"He was aware of Mr Thomas and his dog walking in the direction of Wellington as he moved to turn left. Mr Thomas came into contact with his corner of his vehicle, and Mr Gronland got the perception that Mr Thomas wasn't looking where he was going and had caused the incident. He was not aware of Mr Thomas having any injuries."

He said that Gronland maintained that his vehicle was stationary, and that Mr Thomas had walked into his car.

Mr Freeman said Gronland had driven over to Just For Pets just to park his car, and did not realise that he was legally obliged to give Mr Thomas his details. He said Mr Thomas confronted him in a very irate manner.

Gronland, who had denied the charge at an earlier hearing before changing his plea, was fined £325 and ordered to pay £300 costs and a £22 victim surcharge.

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