Elderly driver arrested after knocking down two people on pedestrian crossing
An 81-year-old driver who knocked down two people on a pedestrian crossing will never drive again, a court heard. Rosemary Patterson was driving her Seat car towards Dartington on the A385 in July of last year when she struck the man and woman as they crossed the road. Her solicitor told Newton Abbot[1] court that she suffered the indignity of being arrested by police because they believed the victims were badly injured.
Patterson, of Caddaford Cross, Buckfastleigh, said she thought the lights were on green when they were on red and called it a "momentary lapse of concentration". The court was shown some dashcam footage of the incident showing the red light as traffic approached the crossing at around 20mph. Patterson, who has no previous convictions, admitted driving without care and attention and was fined GBP501 and given six points on her licence.
The court heard she has surrendered her licence because her capabilities are not what they used to be, said defence lawyer Simon Colman. The victims suffered various wounds and insurers will sort out compensation.
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