A public servant's "lack of perception for a very short moment" led to a motorcyclist's "all-consuming injuries" as his car collided with a bike.
In the ACT Magistrates Court last week, Richard Francis Percy pleaded guilty to negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.
He was handed a 12-month good behaviour order and his licence was suspended for six months.
In February 2024, Percy was driving his Mini Cooper and turned right into an intersection. He did not see a motorcycle coming the other way and the bike collided into the side of his car.
The rider suffered wrist and forearm fractures, a partially severed finger, fractured toes, and a dislocated shoulder, among other injuries.
The victim, a single father, was unable to use his hands, wrists, or walk for several months and was completely reliant on hospital staff.
In a victim impact statement read to the court, he said he was unable to support his children and experienced mental health issues, which took a "significant toll on me that I am unable to fully articulate".
"The impact has been all consuming to my life."
The victim said he may never be able to enjoy his hobbies of riding motorcycles, shooting and body surfing again, as a result of his injuries.
The man still has limited movement in his wrists and foot, making everyday tasks like showering, or doing up buttons difficult and painful.
Percy's lawyer, Peter Woodhouse, said his client had shown "considerable and genuine" remorse for what was "a momentary decision".
Mr Woodhouse said Percy had given a frank account of the crash and accepted his responsibility for the collision.
A prosecutor had argued Percy had "not taken the care to look for oncoming traffic".
However, magistrate Glenn Theakston found Percy's case was an "example of someone who had inattention, or lack of perception, for a very short moment that led to a significant consequence".
"This is a careful driver who just didn't see something in the moment."
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