An 82-year-old man has avoided imprisonment after accidentally backing his car into a woman at a motorway service station, causing severe injuries that have left her wheelchair-bound for life.
David Cornick lost control of his electric vehicle and collided with the 62-year-old woman at Knutsford services on the M6 in Cheshire in 2023. While maneuvering out of a parking spot in his Nissan Leaf, Cornick mistakenly pressed the accelerator, thinking it was the brake.
The woman, who was near her VW Golf at the time of the incident, sustained multiple injuries, including fractures to her thigh and pelvis, necessitating seven blood transfusions. Following four months of hospitalization, including time in intensive care, she now suffers from permanent nerve damage and requires a wheelchair indefinitely.
Appearing in Chester Crown Court, Cornick, described as a retired tree surgeon and a well-regarded individual, faced a potential three-year jail sentence for causing serious injury by dangerous driving. However, he was given a 15-month suspended jail term and banned from driving for two years, with a requirement to pass an extended driving test before regaining his license, along with a £300 fine.
The accident occurred at 1:30 pm on September 26, 2023, as Cornick and his wife were traveling from Liverpool to Derbyshire and had stopped at the service station to charge their vehicle. While waiting for a charging point, Cornick inadvertently reversed his car, striking the woman standing behind her own vehicle.
Prosecutor Mr. Harvey Appleby stated that the victim suffered life-altering injuries, including immobilized hips, heavy bleeding, pelvic fractures, and a dislocated thighbone, necessitating extensive medical treatment over several months.
In her statement, the victim expressed the profound impact of the accident on her daily life, highlighting her limited mobility, ongoing pain, and the permanent need for a wheelchair. She mourned the loss of activities she once enjoyed and emphasized the enduring challenges she faces.
Cornick’s defense presented nine character references, underscoring his positive reputation and contributions to the community. His counsel emphasized his remorse and the self-imposed consequences he faces, acknowledging the gravity of the incident.
Judge Steven Everett acknowledged the severity of the injuries inflicted on the victim, recognizing the irreversible consequences of the accident. While expressing sympathy for Cornick’s regret and the unintended nature of the incident, the judge highlighted the need for accountability and the lasting impact on the victim’s life.