A motorist has admitted seriously injuring a motorcyclist in a collision on a County Durham road while driving dangerously.

Adam James Thorpe was at the wheel of a Hyundai i10 which was involved in a crash with the motorcycle on the A177, near Sedgefield, on Thursday September 14, last year.

The motorcycle rider was thrown from the bike in the collision at the junction with a roundabout with the B1278, at 5.20pm that day.

He was taken by ambulance to hospital for treatment having suffered nine broken ribs plus other fractures to his collar bone, shoulder blade and his right wrist, as well as bruising affecting his head and lungs.

(Image: Terry Blackburn)

Appearing at a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday, September 3), the defendant admitted the single count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Asked by Judge Geoffrey Marson KC if there was any factual version on which the defendant made his admission, Thorpe’s counsel, Chris Baker, said: “No, there is no basis of plea.”

Mr Baker went on: “He’s 32 and has no previous convictions and I would request the preparation of a pre-sentence (probation) report and a psychiatric report.”

Asked by the judge why a psychiatric report would be needed, Mr Baker said it is thought the defendant may suffer from PTSD, “arising out of a childhood accident.”

Judge Marson was reluctant to request preparation of a psychiatric report at public expense, but did agree to adjourn for a pre-sentence probation report.

The length of the adjournment period would also permit the defence to seek a psychiatric report, should it so wish.

(Image: The Northern Echo)

Bailing the defendant, of East End, Sedgefield, to return for the sentencing hearing on October 31, Judge Marson told him: “I’m directing preparation of a pre-sentence report.

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"In doing so, and allowing you bail, should not be seen as any indication as to what the sentence will be.

“All sentencing options remain open to the judge who passes sentence on October 31.”

The judge, did, however, impose an interim driving disqualification upon the defendant, forbidding him from taking to the road prior to the sentencing hearing, when the full length of the motoring ban will be confirmed.