Three-point penalty for door smash driver

Published on 26th April 2007 in News

An 86-year-old driver has been spared his licence this week after driving into the door of another car.

Herbert Blanchard, of Oxford Road in Goole, appeared in Goole Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention.

Mrs Julie Laverack Glanville, for the Crown Prosecution Service, told the court that the accident took place at about 9.50am on October 30 last year.

She said that a female driver had been leaning into her three-door car, which was parked on Bartholomew Avenue, to take out her brief case.

Mr Blanchard was driving along the same road.

Mrs Laverack Glanville said the woman had described how she had seen a white Nissan Micra coming towards her, and had realised the driver had not left enough room to clear the open door.

Mr Blanchard's car hit the door, causing damage to its wing and door.

The defendant went back to ask if the woman was hurt and was later charged with driving without due care and attention.

Defending, David Branscombe said: "Mr Blanchard was driving along Bartholomew Avenue in a car and he heard a bump.

"He pulled into the health centre and walked back.

"He found a lady complaining about the damaged caused to the car.

"It was a very minor error of judgement which might not necessarily have been all his fault.

"He's been driving for many, many years without a blemish on his record and considers himself a careful driver.

"My client apologises for his error of judgement."

The court also heard that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency had declared him fit to drive.

Magistrates fined Mr Blanchard £50 and ordered his licence to be endorsed with three points.