A DRIVER’S ‘careless driving’ which seriously injured three people has been criticised by police.

As previously reported, James Tirrell, aged 70, admitted driving without due care and attention at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court following a crash on the B3157 coast road near Burton Bradstock.

At approximately 9.30am on Sunday, November 15, 2020, Tirrell crashed his Citroen head-on into a red Ford Fiesta on the B3157 near to the junction of Cogden Beach car park.

Police closed the road while firefighters from Bridport and Beaminster attended and an air ambulance landed in a nearby field.

Two people, one in each car, were trapped and had to be cut free from their vehicles by firefighters.

A passenger in the Citroen, a woman aged in her 70s, and the two occupants of the Ford – both Weymouth women aged in their 20s – were taken to hospital via an air ambulance with serious injuries.

Tirrell, of Crewkerne Road, Axminster, sustained minor injuries in the crash. He was subsequently arrested and charged by police.

Magistrates endorsed Tirrell’s driving licence with five penalty points and ordered him to pay a fine of £338, a £34 victim surcharge and costs of £110.

Police have now commented on the case.

PC Julie Wooliscroft, of Dorset Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Team (SCIT), described his driving as ‘careless’ and was satisfied with his conviction.

She said: “James Tirrell’s careless driving on Sunday, November 15, 2020 left three people with serious injuries that required hospital treatment.

“I would like to remind all road users to always double check that it is safe to turn across another lane before undertaking the action.

“We are committed to investigating all collisions where victims sadly receive serious injuries and will do all we can to bring drivers who commit offences before the court.”