Stroke victim received life changing injuries in crash in Wigan

A recovering stroke victim was left with life-changing injuries after being struck by a car and sent flying into the road.
Wigan And Leigh Magistrates' CourtWigan And Leigh Magistrates' Court
Wigan And Leigh Magistrates' Court

The man, named in court as Mr Dutton, was struck by the car of David Sankey on a dark December night while he was trying to cross a main road in the late evening.

Other news: Wigan's health chief slams decision to block visas for foreign doctorsThe 58-year-old’s injuries were so serious that his family say he may never walk again.

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Appearing at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates Court, Sankey, of Fir Tree Crescent in Ince, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention.

The court was shown CCTV images from a residential property, which captured the collision on Bolton Road, Ashton, at around 7.55pm on December 17.

In the footage, Mr Dutton could be seen beginning to cross the road, moving slowly due to his frail condition.

He safely made it across the first lane, before stepping into the second lane.

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Headlights could be seen approaching into the frame of the footage and seconds later Mr Dutton was sent flying by Mr Sankey’s car.

Sankey, 60, immediately stopped the car and rushed to Mr Dutton’s aid.

Mr Dutton was initially in a critical condition after the incident and was put in an induced coma due to a bleed on the brain.

He also suffered a fractured ankle and humerus as well as a ruptured spleen.

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A victim impact statement from his daughter said the collision had left him in a worse condition than following his stroke, and that he will most likely be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

Defending, Paul Huxley said: “It could realistically happen to any of us.

“Sometimes an accident is purely that.”

He added that Sankey claimed he “just saw a shadow and didn’t realise what had happened.”

Mr Huxley added that it was “quite an emotive case” for everyone involved and that Sankey was “quite overwhelmed” having seen the footage for the first time while sat in the courtroom.

“It is dark out, but there are no issues.

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“All of a sudden, a figure appears in my headlights,” Mr Huxley said on behalf of his client.

“I don’t have time to do anything. By the time I’ve seen him, I have struck him.”

He went on: “He has been more than up front about what happened.

“He is utterly remorseful and wishes to pass on his apologies to Mr Dutton.

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“He has made numerous calls to the police to check on his condition.

“I cannot stress how upset he is about this.”

Mr Huxley also pointed out that there was no evidence of speeding and that Sankey had not consumed any alcohol or drugs.

Sankey was fined £97, along with £85 in court costs and a victim surcharge of £30. His license was also endorsed with six penalty points.