Two-year ban for driver who caused head-on crash overtaking lorry
A man who overtook a lorry causing a head-on crash has been banned from driving for two years.
James Rigby, 28, of Pencaedu, Llangynog, near Oswestry, had previously pleaded not guilty to driving a Seat Leon dangerously on the A490 near Welshpool at about 6pm on February 14 and a trial was due.
But he this week admitted the charge at Mold Crown Court, an in addition to the ban and an extended re-test, he was fined £800 with £450 costs.
Judge Rhys Rowlands said it was a bad piece of driving which had serious consequences.
Prosecutor Richard Edwards said Rigby was driving along the A490 towards Welshpool when he came up behind an HGV. He pulled out to overtake and crashed head-on into an oncoming vehicle, injuring its driver.
The victim had tried to pull over to the left to avoid a collision but there was nowhere for him to go. His car rolled over onto its roof and he was able to crawl out.
Rigby immediately apologised and said it was his fault.
The court heard that the victim had two days off work, had injuries to his arm and was nervous about driving at night and also travelling as a passenger.
Rigby, a mechanical engineer, represented himself and accepted his driving was dangerous.
He said he had a family, including a newborn, and had decided to move house to be closer to work and would cycle.
