(Image: Cheshire Police)
A man may never drive again after he caused a crash that left a motorcyclist in a coma for four weeks, York magistrates heard.
Thomas Metcalfe, 35, was at the wheel of a Peugeot SUV when it hit a motorcycle on the A169 near the Hole of Horcum on the North York Moors on Sunday, August 25, 2024.
A second motorcycle and a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction were also involved.
Prosecution lawyer Louise Berry said the first motorcyclist was seriously injured. He was in a coma for four weeks following the crash and suffered eight bleeds on the brain. He continues to have ongoing physical and psychological health issues.
Defence solicitor Ghaz Iqbal said Metcalfe suffered an epileptic seizure after the crash.
“He has voluntarily surrendered his licence and he may never drive again because of the impact (of the crash) on him. His concern is the welfare of the injured party,” said the solicitor. “It is a sad case.”
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Metcalfe, of Horley Green Road, Halifax, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving.
Both his Peugeot and the two motorcycles were travelling north when the crash happened.
Magistrates adjourned his case for a probation officer to prepare a pre-sentence report on him and released him on bail.
He was given an interim driving ban until the sentencing hearing on September 23 when he will learn how long the ban will last. He was released on bail until then.
The A169, the most important route across the North York Moors, was closed for seven hours at Saltergate Bank near RAF Fylingdales following the crash, which happened at 2.50pm on the Sunday of the August Bank Holiday weekend. It reopened at 10pm.