Victim tells court collision ended her career and caused lasting trauma

A 75-YEAR-OLD motorist has been given an interim driving ban after driving into the path of an oncoming vehicle near the entrance to the Mayfield Driving Range in Freystrop.

Anthony Davey was driving his Skoda Fabia into the entrance of the Mayfield Golf Centre on the afternoon of Saturday (Mar 9) when he collided with a Hyundai, in which Katy Sanderson was a front-seat passenger.

As a result of the impact, Ms Anderson suffered a fractured neck bone, requiring extensive hospital treatment and ultimately leading to the loss of her career.

“It was a clear, sunny day and both vehicles were extensively damaged,” Crown Prosecutor Nia James told District Judge Mark Layton at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court this week.

“Following the collision, the defendant could be heard saying: ‘I didn’t see you.’”

A victim impact statement was read to the court in which Ms Anderson described the physical, emotional and financial consequences of the crash.

“The hospital process was long, and when I discharged myself I was placed in a hard neck brace for 14 weeks and was unable to bathe, wash myself, or do anything alone,” she said.

“I am a single parent to two children under the age of 18, and this has been unbelievably difficult.

“I couldn’t watch my sons play football or continue my work as a support worker. I had to rely on sick pay and was unable to return to the job I had done for over 20 years, which has now led to unemployment. This has caused me great depression.”

Davey, of Milner Cottage, Herbrandston, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless and inconsiderate driving.

Sentencing was adjourned until Tuesday (Jan 28) to allow probation reports to be prepared. Davey was released on unconditional bail, with an interim driving disqualification imposed.