A driver who lost control of his faulty car and fractured a pedestrian’s leg in three places has been banned from the road.
Jack Odlin was flagged down and warned about his damaged front wheel by a member of the public while driving friends from Torry into the city centre early in the afternoon on May 2 last year.
But despite feeling the car’s steering “deteriorate” rapidly, the 20-year-old continued on his journey rather than pulling over.
A short time later, on Union Terrace, the vehicle veered across the road and smashed into the front of a cafe.
The red Vauxhall Corsa also hit 33-year-old pedestrian Lyndsey Cooper, who required extensive rehabilitation for her injuries and had to spend seven months using crutches to get around.
She was also left with continuing pain and “anxiety” about crossing the road.
Odlin appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday, having previously admitted the dangerous driving charge.
His solicitor Gregor Kelly told the court that despite the warning from a passerby, his client was unaware of the severity of the damage.
He said Odlin altered his plans and was intending to drop off his friends, make his way to a garage and meet up with them again after booking the car in for repairs.
Mr Kelly said: “This was an offence born of inexperience and a lack of judgment and there have been catastrophic consequences.
“He should have pulled over immediately. The deterioration became worse and worse.
“He didn’t fully appreciate there was a serious problem that required him to desist entirely.”
Mr Kelly added that Odlin was “devastated” following the accident.
He said: “He realises this had been an error of judgment and does show genuine remorse and regret for the hurt he caused and feels compelled to make it up to Mrs Cooper.”
Sheriff Andrew Miller noted that Odlin had a previous motoring conviction, as he received five penalty points for speeding when he was 18.
He said: “You have sincerely expressed remorse for your actions – an ill-judged attempt to drive to a garage so the problem could be dealt with, rather than simply ignoring it.”
Odlin, of Hillview Terrace, Cults, was banned from driving for two years and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.
