A MOTORIST who caused a serious traffic accident told police he had drunk half a bottle of brandy beforehand.
The victim suffered horrific injuries in the incident, which happened on the B4001 in Lambourn.
But despite his admission, the culprit passed a roadside breath test.
In the dock at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, March 27, was Dr Robert Britchford of Goose Green, Lambourn.
Louisa Rose, prosecuting, said Simon Dickinson was driving along the B4001 around 10am when a Skoda driven by 77-year-old Dr Britchford suddenly pulled out into his path.
She added: “Mr Dickinson’s car spun round and the air bags were deployed.”
Mr Dickinson suffered serious injuries including a fractured left wrist which broke at a 45 degree angle.
Ms Rose said: “An operation was required to reset the fracture, which was manually realigned to the correct position.
“A metal plate and screws were put into the wrist and the wound was closed with sutures, glue and steri-strips.
“The fracture had been at a 45 degree angle; there was a deep laceration in the skin and there was also another fracture.”
Mr Dickinson needed 10 weeks off work to recuperate following the operation, said Ms Rose.
Dr Britchford told police he had drunk half a bottle of brandy found in his car, the court heard.
A roadside breath test showed alcohol in his system but, at the time of the collision, this was below the legal limit for driving, said Ms Rose.
Dr Britchford admitted causing serious injury by careless driving on May 28 last year.
He has previous convictions for drink-driving and for failing to stop following a traffic collision, the court heard.
Simon Hammudi, defending, said his client had a number of health issues, including a condition which meant he could not turn his neck properly on the day in question.
He added: “His family have told him he should not drive in future.
“He has sold his car for scrap and has not driven since.
“He has no plans to drive again in future.”
The court heard Dr Britchford, a former psychologist, retired in 2006 and relies on an NHS pension.
Magistrates fined him £333.
In addition, they ordered Dr Britchford to pay £85 costs, plus a statutory victim services surcharge of £293.
Finally, they banned him from driving for 18 months and stipulated that, should he change his mind and wish to drive again, he must take an extended driving retest.
