AN ISLE of Wight woman who crashed her car into a stationary motorcycle – seriously injuring its driver – has been sentenced for careless driving.

Lauren Beaumont, of St John's Road, Sandown, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Friday, March 1.

At a previous hearing on January 16, the 42-year-old admitted causing serious injury by careless/inconsiderate driving, on Broadway in Sandown, on November 28 of last year.

Prosecutor, Munayah Hussan, said police were called to a two-vehicle crash involving a car and a man stationary on a motorcycle.

She said the driver of the car – Beaumont – gave an account at the scene and was apologetic, telling officers she had meant to apply her brakes.

A statement from the motorcyclist, read out in court, revealed how he had been knocked off his bike and suffered a fractured L3 vertebra.

He said he needed medication every four hours for the pain, had been signed off work since the incident, and was struggling financially as a result.

The motorcyclist said he hadn’t slept well since the crash, had flashbacks, and his Honda bike – his "pride and joy" – had to be written off.

Barry Arnett, defending, said it was an unusual set of circumstances and a momentary lapse of judgement.

He said Beaumont wasn’t driving fast; rather, she had been in gear – about to take it out of gear – and when she moved her foot the car lurched forward, clipping the bike.

Mr Arnett said Beaumont gave her details straight away, it was effectively carelessness, and she accepted the consequences.

The court heard she was tearful, remorseful, and didn’t seek to minimise what had happened.

“I have no doubts she has learned her lesson, and wishes she could turn the clock back,” said Mr Arnett.

He went on to describe the incident as a low impact collision with dire consequences.

A series of character references for Beaumont were read out in court, describing her as responsible, respected, kind-hearted, considerate, and caring.  

Beaumont was handed a 12-month community order, to include 25 rehabilitation days, and fined £184.

She had already been made subject to an interim 12-month driving disqualification, and was also ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £114 surcharge.