A careless driver claimed he crashed into an oncoming car because 'a bee hit him in the eye.'

Richard Thomas, of Ffordd Siarl in Leeswood, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Friday afternoon.

The 39-year-old admitted that on July 2 last year at Pontblyddyn, he caused serious injury to a man named Eric Cammidge by driving a Vauxhall motor vehicle without due care and attention.

Helen Sidhu, prosecuting, told the court police were informed about a two-vehicle collision on the A541, around 40 yards north of the speed change signs in the village.

The vehicles were the defendant's Vauxhall Vectra and Mr Cammidge's VW Golf.

Ms Sidhu said Thomas, who was heading north towards Mold at the time, crossed the central white line and collided with the victim's oncoming car.

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Mr Cammidge was taken to hospital by ambulance and it was discovered he had a fractured spine.

He required physiotherapy afterwards and lost grip in one of his hands until he had fully recovered.

When police arrived at the scene, Thomas tested negative for alcohol - but positive for cocaine.

Whilst at hospital, he refused to provide evidential samples of blood or urine.

In interview, the defendant claimed he'd been driving when a "bee had come through the window and hit him in the eye," the court heard.

And in regards to his positive roadside drug reading he admitted he had taken cocaine - but only after the collision, in order "to get rid of it."

A probation officer said the defendant had maintained his version of events, stating the 'bee or wasp' which he said hit him in the eye had taken his concentration away from the road.

Lorraine McClure, defending, told the court: "You have heard the defendants explanation for how the incident happened.

The Leader:

"He needs to take fuller responsibility for his actions - and he's partly done that today by pleading guilty.

"He has expressed to me that he was extremely sorry.

"It could have been a lot more serious for [Mr Cammidge] and he's just grateful it wasn't."

Given he had a previous drug-drive conviction from 2021, the court banned Thomas from driving for three years.

He received a 20 week custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months and must undertake 25 days of rehabilitation activity.

The defendant must also pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.