(Image: The Northern Echo)
A dangerous Darlington driver who caused a head-on crash which left a woman needing her spleen removed must wait to learn his fate.
Daniel Smith was said to be on the wrong side of the carriageway and speeding while behind the wheel of a Skoda Octavia.
He was involved in a head-on collision with a Peugeot 308, on Middridge Road, near Newton Aycliffe, earlier this year.
The 31-year-old defendant appeared at what was to have been his sentencing hearing at Durham Crown Court on Thursday (August 20) by video link from Holme House Prison, Stockton, where he has been on remand.
But his counsel, Penny Hall, appeared by video link from Newcastle Crown Court and apologised for being unable to attend the court in Durham as she is involved in an overrunning trial.
She said she would have asked for an adjournment of the case, anyway, as the Probation Service background report prepared for the hearing did not address potential alternative sentences to an immediate term of imprisonment, as it only deals with the length of the sentence.
Judge Richard Bennett said he had wanted to pass sentence as there was a packed public gallery in attendance for the case.
But, agreeing to Miss Hall’s request for an adjournment, he said it would be for no more than a fortnight.
Remanding the defendant to remain in custody until the rearranged sentencing hearing, on September 4, Judge Bennett told him: “The fact I’m adjourning shouldn’t be taken a any indication that you will receive anything other than an immediate custodial sentence.”
Smith, 31, of Severn Way, Darlington, admitted a charge of causing serious injury by dangerous driving at a hearing at the court, on July 21.
It follows a serious crash on Saturday April 4, which saw five people receive hospital treatment.
A woman in a Peugeot was said to be in a life-threatening condition.
She suffered internal bleeding and in surgery had to have her spleen removed.
The court heard that the defendant was identified at the scene as the driver of the Skoda, carrying three passengers.
Forensic evidence also indicated he was driving at the time, after air bags in the Skoda were activated.