Thomas Pennal pleads guilty to hitting cyclists at Raleigh in Coffs court

It was a momentary loss of concentration that saw a young driver crash into two cyclists causing serious injuries Coffs Harbour Local Court heard and “oddly enough they were family friends”.

It was a case of “momentary inattention” that saw Thomas Joseph Michael Pennal crash his car into two female cyclists at Raleigh, his lawyer told Coffs Harbour Local Court on Friday.

And “oddly enough” the two victims happened to be friends of his mother, his lawyer Mr Cox also told the court.

Pennal was travelling along a stretch of road just before noon on September 2, where road work was being undertaken and could see the two cyclists in front of him the court heard.

But as another car approached he turned his attention to it and in the momentary lapse of attention he collided with the two cyclists.

The court heard that no drugs or alcohol were involved and that he stopped immediately to offer assistance and has since paid for the damage to the bicycles.

It was a case of “momentary inattention” that saw Thomas Joseph Michael Pennal crash his car into two female cyclists at Raleigh, his lawyer told Coffs Harbour Local Court.

Magistrate Ian Rodgers told the court that the 23-year-old apprentice plumber has taken full responsibility for his actions and has made contact with the victims expressing his remorse.

“It’s not a matter of dangerous driving but a momentary inattention matter,” Mr Rodgers said.

Mr Rodgers also outlined to the court the “ancient” nature of the offence he was being charged with – two counts of ‘cause bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle’ which, under the Crimes Act still makes reference to your responsibilities when ‘riding on horseback’.

Mr Rodgers told the court that Pennal clearly had not abandoned his responsibilities when he took to the wheel that day.

He outlined the serious nature of the injuries to the two women – one required surgery to insert wires and plates in her broken wrist and the other also required surgery on a broken fibula with six screws inserted.

They also suffered extensive bruising, soft tissue damage, lacerations, whiplash and psychological trauma.

Pennal pleaded guilty to both charges of causing bodily harm by misconduct, in charge of motor vehicle. He was convicted and sentenced to a community correction order for two years from June 10 and must not commit any offence while subject to this.

He was also ordered to serve 100 hours of community service for each offence.

Pennal was also facing a charge of negligent driving (no death or grievous bodily harm). He pleaded guilty to this and was fined $660 and disqualified from holding a driver’s/rider’s licence for six months.