Crash teen fined £1,000

A teenager from Hednesford was fined £1,000 and disqualified from driving after an horrific car crash which almost killed his best friend.

Eighteen-year-old Matthew Harrison appeared at Cannock Magistrates Court yesterday where he admitted driving without due care and attention on July 20 last year.

Harrison was driving along Long Lane in Newtown, near Great Wyrley, at around 12.30pm when his car went over a humpbacked bridge. He lost control and hit a tree.

In interviews with the police Harrison, of Mitcham Close, admitted driving at between 50 and 55mph in the 30mph zone.His friend Iain Butterworth, of Cannock, was left fighting for his life after the smash. Iain, 19, had to have a piece of his skull removed and is waiting for a titanium plate to be fitted.

Mr Giles Rowden, prosecuting, told magistrates the accident had left Iain with "severe and life changing injuries".

He said: "Mr Butterworth suffered a fractured skull, severe scarring and damaged vertebrae. He has also received mental injuries and is depressed, moody and he can't go out of the house unaccompanied."

Harrison said in a letter to magistrates: "I am very sorry for what happened. I honestly can't remember how the accident occurred. I'm so very sorry that my best friend was hurt and every day since I have wished it was me in hospital and not him and I hope Iain makes a full recovery."

Magistrates disqualified him from driving for two years and until he passes a new driving test.

Mr Butterworth yesterday welcomed the sentence.

By Shaun Lintern