Driver admits NDR crash that injured Harley-Davidson biker

David Minns, 77, was at the wheel of a Suzuki Vitara SUV when it struck the biker on a roundabout on the Norwich Northern Distributor Road. Norwich Magistrates' Court[1] was told he had failed to see the motorbike which his vehicle struck after he drifted into the neighbouring lane of traffic on June 6 last year. Rider Paul Buck was knocked off his bike and suffered serious injuries[2] including fractures to bones in his spine and six broken ribs.

He has since made a full recovery but told the court his injuries had left him in "incredible pain" and impacted on his family life and work as a Network Rail signalman. Minns, of Lime Tree Road in North Walsham, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving. David Minns was banned from driving for 12 months and fined over crash in June 2024 (Image: Newsquest)

Addressing the court from the dock, he told magistrates the crash had been the result of a "momentary lapse". "I'm very sorry for the distress caused and want to apologise profusely," he added. Stephen Munton, prosecuting, said both had been negotiating the Poppy Way roundabout on the NDR, close to Broadland Business Park, when the Suzuki SUV crossed into the path of the biker leaving him no chance to avoid being hit.

A statement from Mr Buck said he had been "put in fear of his life" by the manoeuvre and that he had worried he might never regain full mobility from his injuries. The court heard Minns had previously had a clean licence despite decades of driving. The crash at the Poppy Way roundabout left the motorcyclist with injuries including spinal fractures (Image: Google)

Kieran Dunphy, mitigating, said: "He is a very honourable man who has immediately pleaded guilty and makes no excuses. "There was no malice in his actions. What sadly happened is he did not see the motorcycle in a blind-spot and he probably did drift over into the next lane."

Magistrates banned him from driving for 12 months and fined him GBP526, ordering he also pay costs totalling GBP295.

References

1. ^ Norwich Magistrates' Court (www.edp24.co.uk)
2. ^ knocked off his bike and suffered serious injuries (www.edp24.co.uk)
3. ^ Driver fled scene of serious A140 motorcycle crash (www.edp24.co.uk)
4. ^ Woman who caused Harley-Davidson crash spared jail (www.edp24.co.uk)