Overtaking driver in court after learner biker seriously injured in head-on crash

The crash happened on the A442 Bridgnorth to Telford road at High Rock in August last year.

Motorcycle rider, Wayne Jones, had been taking his bike test when the crash happened, a jury was told.

Melissa Winwood, 27, of Stanwick, Sutton Hill, Telford, denies causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Her trial started at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday.

Peter Grice, prosecuting, said Mr Jones had been completing his compulsory motorbike test.

He was riding in front of two motorcycle examiners.

“The motorcycles were approaching a bend when a Saab, driven by Winwood, pulled out to overtake the caravan,” Mr Jones said.

“She drove into the path of Mr Jones.”

The motorcyclist was seriously injured, suffering a broken thigh bone, dislocated shoulder and a complicated ankle break in the crash.

He then had to be airlifted to hospital by the Midlands Air Ambulance.

Mr Grice said one of the other motorcycles also collided with the car.

Motorcyclist, Mr Jones, who gave evidence sitting in the dock with a support on his arm, said the crash happened not far outside Bridgnorth, travelling towards Telford.

He said: “It was a lovely day. As I was approaching the bend, from out of nowhere there was a vehicle on my side of the road, approaching me, a grey, silver Saab.

“It happened really fast. I tried to swerve left to try to avoid it but then I remember being hit.

“I remember screaming in absolute agony and shock.”

He said his bike was completely written off in the collision.

When she was questioned by police Winwood said that her car had been ‘dodgy’ and was playing up.

She said the car suddenly swerved into the road.

“The motorbike was just there,” she told police.

The trial continues.