Haverhill woman fined after causing serious injuries in car crash

On Thursday, Briony Butler, 36, of Bute Court, Haverhill, faced Suffolk Magistrates' Court. She was sentenced after pleading guilty to causing serious injury by careless or reckless driving.

The accident occurred on September 13, 2022 at the intersection of Withersfield Road and Crowland Road in Haverhill.

The court heard that Ms Butler thought the victim had signalled left and drove onto the road, causing the collision.

The 69-year-old victim suffered life-changing injuries and claims she failed to signal left.

In a statement read out in court, the victim stated that injuries included a fractured spine and ribs.

“I’m still in pain,” she said.

“I used to walk my dog ​​regularly, but I had to ask a charity to provide me with this service.

“At first I couldn't go upstairs to bed, so I had to sleep on a sofa downstairs.

“I’m still struggling with my stability.”

She added that she had become more nervous since the accident and therefore only drove short distances.

In mitigating circumstances, the court heard that the defendant had pleaded guilty at the earliest possible opportunity.

She waited at the scene of the accident to call an ambulance and also participated in a voluntary interview at the police station.

Ms Butler has no criminal record and has been described as a “hard-working mother”.

In addition to the driving ban, she was ordered to pay costs of £891.