A van driver who struck a cyclist from behind in Bridgend initially believed he had hit a sheep, a court has heard. Wayne Adams, 60, collided with David Walters on the B4280 on September 5, 2022, causing severe spinal injuries and multiple rib fractures.
The victim, who was thrown from his bike, recalled hearing a 'massive bang' before finding himself on the ground unable to move. Adams parked 50 metres away and returned to assist, but only realised he had hit a person upon returning to the scene.
Mr Walters was taken to hospital with fractures to his breastbone, five ribs, and two vertebrae, as well as soft tissue damage. He underwent surgery and was discharged after nine days. In a victim impact statement, he described ongoing pain, PTSD, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping.
Adams pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving. The court heard he has eight previous convictions and suffers from health issues including high blood pressure and COPD. He was sentenced to a 24-month community order with 150 hours of unpaid work.
