74-Year-Old Woman Fined After Horrific Bike Crash Near Wareham
A 74-year-old woman has been slapped with points and a fine after causing a serious crash that left a motorcyclist with life-changing injuries near Wareham.
Turning Mistake Ends in Disaster
Rosemary Anne Staddon-Smith, from Winfrith Newburgh, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on 21 January 2020. She was handed six points on her licence and fined £147, with additional costs of £85 and a £32 victim surcharge.
The crash happened around 10.25am on Sunday 15 September 2019 on Bere Road. Staddon-Smith, driving a black Volkswagen, turned right near the Sika Trail entrance and collided with a 70-year-old local motorcyclist.
Motorcyclist Suffers Severe Injuries
The rider suffered a broken leg and arm that required surgery, a fractured eye socket, and a ruptured neck disc – injuries described as life-changing. He remains in hospital receiving treatment.
Police Urge Drivers to Stay Alert
“Rosemary Staddon-Smith’s driving in September last year left her victim with life-changing injuries. He remains in hospital receiving treatment,” said Police Constable Mark Palmer of the traffic unit.
“I would like to remind all road users to take extra caution at all times and in all conditions and always double check before turning across another lane. This case demonstrates that we are committed to investigating all collisions where a victim sadly receives serious injuries.”
