Hasan Goni, a 43-year-old Blueline taxi driver, has been sentenced after crashing into a pensioner in Newcastle, causing injuries that led to the amputation of the victim's lower left leg. The incident occurred on October 21, 2024, when Goni turned a corner and struck a 68-year-old man crossing the road.
Details of the Crash
The victim had just left his doctor's appointment on Great North Road in Gosforth at around 3pm. He had recently undergone a hip replacement and was using a walking stick. Goni was driving a Ford Mondeo taxi, collecting a Blueline customer and running late. As he turned right into a street, he failed to see the man crossing the road.
Prosecutor Nicoleta Alistari stated: "The front of the Ford struck him and threw him into the air. He felt immediate pain in both legs." Goni immediately pulled over and called 999, with his first words being: "I was going 20." He had no alcohol or drugs in his system.
Injuries and Amputation
The victim sustained fractures to his ribs, femur, and neck, and was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary. He spent four months in hospital, including time in intensive care. During his stay, he suffered pneumonia and an infection, leading to the amputation of his lower left leg. In a statement, he said he underwent three operations and experienced flashbacks.
Sentencing
Goni, of Hull Street, Elswick, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving. His defense lawyer, Christopher Knox, argued that Goni was not speeding and that the crash was due to a momentary lapse of concentration. Knox said: "He very much regrets it. He had the feeling he had done nothing deliberate... it was a momentary lapse of concentration." Goni had been a taxi driver for seven years but lost his job after the incident.
Judge Robert Adams sentenced Goni to 25 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months, along with 20 rehabilitation days, 180 hours of unpaid work, and an 18-month driving ban.
