Runner jailed for causing accident (Update)

Top runner Lamont Marshall was today jailed for six months after he crashed his car into a bike carrying two passengers.

Carley Lima and Ian Scotton were both thrown from the motorcycle Mr Scotton was riding during the August 13 crash.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Cindy Clarke told the court the accident happened at 1:09am that day.

Marshall was driving a grey Suzuki Swift east along South Road, Paget heading west towards the traffic lights.

Mr Scotton was riding west along South Road near the entrance to Ice Queen at the time heading towards Middle Road.

Ms Clarke said: “When the defendant reached the Middle Road junction, he proceeded through his governing red light and on to South Road still in the westbound carriage way towards (Mr Scotton).

“Scotton swerved to the right from the west carriageway to the east carriageway to avoid a head on collision with the defendant’s vehicle.

“The defendant then swerved to the left from the west carriageway into the east carriageway towards him.”

The court heard Marshall hit the motorcycle head on.

“Scotton was thrown over a nearby stone wall and ended up in the grass to the marsh.

“Pillion passenger Lima landed on the ground in the eastbound carriageway with her head facing east having sustained severe head injuries.”

Speaking on the injuries, Ms Clarke said: “Lima suffered bleeding on her brain and was airlifted from Bermuda to Boston where she remained in the intensive care unit for five days before being transferred to a general ward.

“She suffers from the continuing effects of the nerve damage caused from the collision.

“Scotton sustained an ankle fracture and multiple abrasions.”

The court heard Marshall was driving “aggressively” and was on the wrong side of the road prior to the crash.

In the victim impact statements, Mr Scotton said he was forced to give up playing rugby, which was a big part of his life and his regimental duties.

He also hasn't been able to find work in his profession.

Ms Lima’s statement detailed her injuries including a ruptured eardrum, cracked skull, trauma to her face and complete paralysis on the left side for seven months.

She also had to undergophysical therapy.

Marshall’s lawyer Eugene Johnston said his client was remorseful for the incident.

“The best way to show the remorsefulness is to set out that period of community service.”

Marshall, a trash collector for the Corporation of Hamilton addressed the court and said: “I accept my guilty plea and the charges.

“It was never my intent. Since then I have been a cautious driver and I can assure you I would never put myself in this predicament again.”

Puisne Judge Stephen Hellman in sentencing Marshall said: “This was a bad example of this kind of offence.

“Mr Marshall overshot the red light. His vehicle was on the wrong side of the road.

“It was a combination of these factors that caused the victims to crash, attempting to avoid a collision with Mr Marshall’s vehicle.

“But the victims were injured, one more serious.”

Mr Hellman said he was satisfied the defendant was responsible for the crash.

He sentenced Marshall to six months in prison, immediately and an 18-month driving ban. 

Marshall admitted causing injury by dangerous driving.

The victims have lodged a civil suit against Marshall.