A CARELESS driver seriously injured a cyclist due to a "lapse of concentration," a court heard.

Mark Garrett, of Parkfield Road in Broughton, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Friday.

The 42-year-old admitted that on August 17 last year, he caused serious injury to a man named Wayne Greatbanks by driving an Audi motor vehicle without due care and attention.

Helen Sidhu, prosecuting, told the court that at around 1.15pm on the day of the offence, Mr Greatbanks left Airbus Broughton - where he works - by the site's main entrance.

He made his way onto the A5104, which was very busy at the time due to traffic from the nearby shopping park and Airbus.

As he got to the traffic lights at the junction of Chester Road and Broughton Hall Road, intending to turn right, the defendant came directly towards him in his black Audi.

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The vehicle made contact with the bicycle, causing Mr Greatbanks to fall off.

Ms Sidhu said the victim was wearing high visibility gear and a helmet.

Garrett stopped and spoke to the victim, giving his name and number in the event of any problems.

Mr Greatbanks later went to Wrexham Maelor Hospital, where it was discovered he had fractures to his big toe and foot.

He was put in a cast, rendering him unable to work for a month.

Catherine Higham, defending, told the court the defendant's actions had amounted to "a momentary lapse of concentration."

"I concede the victim was a vulnerable road user as a cyclist," she said.

"However I draw the court's attention to the fact he has no previous convictions and a good driving record with no points.

"He also made efforts to seek assistance for the victim - actually taking him home and giving his details.

"He did everything he could in that scenario to try and make better what had happened."

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Ms Higham said her client, who has worked in sales for the last 17 years, had started a new job just two weeks ago.

But the role required his ability to drive - and the mandatory ban resulting from the offence he'd admitted would mean the termination of that employment.

He does have a secondary income from renting out a property, she added.

The court handed down a fine of £1,120 - ordering the defendant to pay £85 costs and a victim surcharge of £448.

Garrett was banned from driving for 12 months.