A FORMER army driver who left a motorcyclist with serious injuries has avoided jail.
Kevin Kirsopp (37) from Crook, County Durham, pleaded guilty to a charge of careless driving at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court on Thursday, February 7.
The court heard how on November 1 last year, Kirsopp pulled out from on a junction on the B6318 Military Road at Rudchester, unaware of a passing motorcyclist travelling at 40mph.
The 22-tone oil tanker sent the motorcyclist flying from the bike, and the road was closed while he received medical treatment. The victim spent 12 days in hospital after suffering three broken ribs, a fractured coccyx and also had to have an operation on the lower part of his intestine.
Kirsopp received seven penalty points on his licence and was ordered to pay a total of £553 in fines and court costs.
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