The driver's 'momentary lapse of concentration' led to a motorcyclist suffering life-changing injuries
A Royal Mail delivery driver's "momentary lapse of concentration" led to a motorcyclist suffering "catastrophic injuries" in a crash. Lance Reynolds was driving a white Royal Mail delivery van in Bangor when the crash took place.
He had just waved to a colleague on the left hand side of the road before making a right turn off Penchwintan Road on November 9, 2024. As he made the manoeuvre, he struck a Honda 125cc motorbike, being driven by Richard Williams.
Elen Owen, prosecuting, said Mr Williams was thrown off the bike and across the street, where he struck a garden wall and suffered multiple fractures across his body.
He was taken by air ambulance to the Royal Stoke University Hospital, where he stayed for months receiving treatment and surgery, before being transferred to Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor.
Such was the seriousness of the injuries to Mr William's right leg, it had to be amputated below the knee, changing his life and having a devastating impact on his family. He also had spinal surgery and had plates inserted in his right arm, said Ms Owen.
Reynolds, 35, of Stanley Avenue, Valley, Holyhead, who had no previous convictions, admitted dangerous driving and was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court today (Wednesday).
A victim impact statement from Mr Williams said he still suffers "endless phantom" pain in his amputated lower leg as well as back pain. He had been getting about on crutches which caused pain to his arms and wrists.
Mr Williams had suicidal thoughts following the crash and his children had been left distressed by the situation. His mental health has suffered, they had suffered financial hardship and he had needed help to carry out some everyday tasks.
Mr Williams has anxiety, is on medication and has been diagnosed with PTSD. He's now learning to walk with a prosthetic limb. He was a former Welsh champion boxer, but no longer feels himself.
Dafydd Roberts, defending, said Reynolds had done everything he could to assist Mr Williams after the collision, entered a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity and was genuinely remorseful for what happened and had written a letter to the victim.
It was a "momentary lapse of concentration" that had resulted in "catastrophic consequences". Reynolds was assessed as low risk of reoffending and Mr Roberts suggested the judge could suspend any inevitable prison sentence.
Judge Timothy Petts said Mr Williams had suffered "life-changing injuries, with impacts physical, psychological, social and financial, which had devastated him and impacted his whole family".
