A MOTORIST who caused a head-on crash on the A596 at Prospect which left a man with life-changing injuries told the victim: “My fault, mate.”
Paul Graham Ross, 47, later formally admitted the offence of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The circumstances were outlined by prosecutor Glen Gatland as the defendant was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court.
The crash happened at 5pm on December 8, 2023.
“It was dark and the weather was poor,” said Mr Gatland, explaining that the section of road involved features many hidden dips. A woman driving from the Maryport direction noticed the defendant’s Audi A4 car behind her.
When she saw the defendant overtaking, directly into the path on an oncoming car, despite there being a car in front of her and no gap for Audi to pull into, she immediately thought: “This isn't going to end well.”
Ross began the overtaking manoeuvre despite their being a solid white line on his side of the carriageway, said the prosecutor.
The driver of the oncoming car immediately spotted the Audi’s headlights approaching and attempted to take evasive action, steering to the left, but there was a head-on collision.
The woman whose car Ross was overtaking, stopped and went to the injured driver’s aid, noticing smoke coming from the front of his car and that he was very distressed, said Mr Gatland.
“She forced open the driver’s door open,” said the prosecutor.
The victim managed to get out but complained of pain in his chest and back. At one point, the defendant approached him and admitted the crash was his fault.
Mr Gatland summarised the victim’s injuries, which included fractures to ribs, his sternum and a wrist fracture so serious that metal plates had to be surgically inserted.
“My wrist was badly damaged; it will never be the same,” said the man.
“I’ve lost my dexterity and have had physio to get movement back. I would describe this as life changing as I’ve had to adapt my life due to this injury.”
Kim Whittlestsone, for Ross, of Waver Street, Silloth, said a psychologist’s report highlighted the defendant’s “ADHD type symptoms,” which may have played a part in the defendant’s behaviour that day.
Immediately admitting his mistake, he found the proceedings emotional, said the barrister. “It’s clear from all of his references that he has shown remorse,” said Miss Whittlestone.
One long-term friend described Ross as “a conscientious individual who cares deeply for his family.”
“He’s a good person who has made a terrible mistake,” said the man. Among the positive references was one from a former employer, who described the defendant as a man of integrity, loyal and respected.
Judge Nicholas Barker said the defendant had made a “deliberate decision to ignore the rules of the road, disregarding the risk of danger.” However, Judge Barker said there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.
He accepted that Ross is unlikely to behave in the same way again. Judge Barker imposed a 22-month jail term, suspended for two years.
There will also be a two-year ban and a requirement to pass an extended test before Ross can drive independently again.
Share