A DRIVER who made an 'astounding error in judgement' that led to a woman suffering life-changing injuries has been disqualified from driving for four years.

Andrew Lawson, aged 31, of Fairoak Way, Mosterton, pleaded guilty at Weymouth Magistrates Court to driving a vehicle without due care and attention and while exceeding the limit of the drug tetrahydrocannabinol (THC - cannabis).

The incident took place at just after 7am on Tuesday, March 17 on the A3066 Tunnel Road near Beaminster.

The court heard a green Ford Focus, driven by Lawson, and a blue Toyota Corolla, crashed head-on, leaving the passenger of the Toyota with life-changing injuries.

Prosecuting, Lee Turner, said: "The road was a straight road with central white lines. Lawson was driving a Ford Focus from Mosterton to Beaminster.

"Mr Bradshaw, 82, was driving the Toyota with his 87-year old wife in the passenger seat. The couple were on their way to visit friends in Manchester.

"The Ford Focus crosses on to the right-hand side to overtake a vehicle and collides head on with the Toyota.

"Mr Bradshaw suffered from cuts and bruises and chest pains and was taken to Yeovil Hospital for three days.

"Mrs Bradshaw suffered four fractured ribs and a fractured sternum and was also taken to Yeovil Hospital. Her conditioned worsened and she went into intensive care. A fractured vertebrae was then discovered. This left her with life-changing injuries with her movement. She is expected to regain the ability to walk with the aid of a stick.

"Lawson admitted taking cannabis the night before the collision and police said Lawson smelt of cannabis at the scene."

Mitigating, John Dyer, said: "Mr Lawson is devastated that he has left the Bradshaws in such a condition. Mr Lawson admitted that he had taken mephedrone and having one cannabis cigarette the evening before.

"On the morning of the collision he was going to get a loaf of bread for his mother. She frequently lends him her car. She had no concerns about his condition and neither did he.

"He made an astounding error in judgement in overtaking the car in misty conditions.

"After the collision he was seen helping direct traffic.

"He accepts that he drove carelessly.

"The reason he takes drugs is that he has had problems throughout his life. He was on Ritalin throughout most of his childhood years, and has been diagnosed with ADHD and depression.

"He has tried on many occasions to kick many habits."

Chairman of the bench, Nigel Coffey, disqualified Lawson from driving for a period of four years.

Mr Coffey said: "Your driving was careless and did amount to the reason why there was a serious collision and you admitted sole responsibility for that."

Lawson was also ordered to pay court charges and fines amounting to £305.

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