A MOTORIST blamed a sneezing fit while at the wheel of a van for a head-on collision with an oncoming taxi.

Kevin Metcalf today (Tuesday February 25) admitted a charge of dangerous driving, arising from the accident on Commercial Street, Willington, County Durham, on August 26 last year.

But, Durham Crown Court heard it was on a basis that he suffered the sneezing fit as he was driving the Ford Transit immediately prior to the collision.

Martin Towers, prosecuting, told the court: “When he was interviewed he said the initial collision was as a result of him having the sneezing fit and he then reversed and drove onto the pavement, causing difficulty to pedestrians.

“The Crown does not accept that version.”

Mr Towers said the decision was made by the reviewing lawyer in the case.

Recorder Ian Atherton adjourned the case for a trial of issue, or Newton hearing, prior to sentence.

He told Metcalf: “I can’t say what the sentence will be, so I’ll make no promises.”

Metcalf, 33, of Sycamore Grove, Willington, was bailed to return for the trial of issue followed by sentencing, on May 1.

Recorder Atherton imposed an interim driving ban on Metcalf, the full length of which will also be settled at the sentencing hearing.