A MOTORIST has avoided a driving ban after a man and a woman were hospitalised following a crash on the A69.

Stephen Frankland, of Wheatfield Close, Ovingham, was driving a van towing a trailer full of plants on the trunk road, near Hexham, in July when he crashed into the pair who were on a motorcycle.

The couple were sent flying into the air and landed in the road ahead, after the crash with the van.

The 45-year-old appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court, in Bedlington, on Thursday where he pleaded guilty to one count of driving without due care and attention.

The court heard Frankland failed to see the motorcycle and pulled out in front of it at a junction.

The pair were taken to hospital, where the man was treated for a groin injury, internal bleeding and minor injuries, while the woman suffered a broken pelvis.

Frankland was fined £213, ordered pay costs of £85 and a £32 victim surcharge. He also received five penalty points.