A RECKLESS motorist driving down the wrong side of the road over the speed limit caused lasting injuries to another driver by crashing into her car.

Christopher Saunders of Kennedy Drive in Swindon was speeding down Galton Way towards Great Western Way in a Volkswagen Polo at 12.43pm on June 10 when he swerved into oncoming traffic and collided with a Chevrolet.

The 22-year-old pleaded guilty to one charge of driving without due care and attention at Swindon Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Police prosecutor Mary Reason said the victim was entering the road when she saw a vehicle travelling on the wrong side of the road at around 40mph – double the speed limit – and had no time to take evasive action.

: “The victim was entering B4006 Galton Way from Great Western Way at a low speed as the limit is 20mph on that road.

“She saw a vehicle travelling on the wrong side of the road at approximately 40mph and had no time to take evasive action.

“Her wrist was fractured, she lost three of her front teeth, and had extensive bruising. Her passenger received minor injuries and whiplash.

“In interview, Mr Saunders said he was aware that he was driving over the speed limit but claimed that the other driver was on the wrong side of the road.

“Oil on the road from the victim’s Chevrolet proved that she was on the correct side.

“Mr Saunders denied that his driving was dangerous, saying ‘People drive like nutters on that road all the time’.”

Saunders, defending himself, claimed that he did brake before the crash but the ABS system in his car failed so the vehicle did not slow down. He gave no explanation for driving at double the speed limit or driving on the wrong side of the road.

A statement from the victim was read out which described how the crash had affected her physically, mentally and financially – her dental treatments cost £7,000.

Her right wrist was broken and she was in plaster for six weeks, which left her needing assistance in bathing and dressing, and was now terrified of getting into a car.

Mary Reason read: “Two of my front teeth were smashed and a fragment of one remains - part of the bone in my gum was also smashed and had to be rebuilt.

“A metal plate and implants were fitted, eating with the plate is very difficult, I can’t really bite with it.

“My right wrist was broken and I was in plaster for six weeks.

“For the first 12 days the cast was up to my elbow, after that it was all the way up my arm which made any movement impossible.

“I went to stay with my parents with my 12-year-old daughter, I was assisted in bathing and dressing, then when I returned home after three weeks I had to rely on my daughter for help.

“The cast has now been removed but I don’t have as much strength in that arm as I used to.”

Mary Reason summarised the rest of the statement, adding that the victim was now terrified of getting into a car and hearing the noise of revving engines or braking makes her nervous because it reminds her of the crash.

Though she can now drive on her own for short trips, she is very nervous as a passenger because she doesn’t feel in control of the vehicle.

Magistrates disqualified Christopher Saunders from driving for four months, gave him a £120 fine and ordered him to pay £85 in costs and £30 to victim services.