Alister McCutcheon sentenced for negligent driving

A Trangie man’s “split second decision” to break a road rule ended up forcing a motorcyclist off his bike and left him with serious injuries, but he’ll get to keep his license.

Trangie man Alister McCutcheon crashed into a motorcyclist. Picture: Facebook/Kelly McCutcheon

A Trangie man has been spared a conviction in court after he crashed into a motorcyclist and left the rider with severe injuries and in need of surgery.

Alister James McCutcheon crossed a pair of unbroken lines on Douglas Mawson Drive as he tried to turn into a business on the morning of June 20 last year.

Trangie man Alister McCutcheon was spared a conviction. Picture: Facebook/Kelly McCutcheon

According to court documents the 31-year-old slammed on his brakes as soon as he saw the 41-year-old motorcyclist, however he was on the side of the road and unable to avoid a collision.

The motorcyclist also slammed on his brakes but could not stop and he was thrown off his bike and onto the road.

McCutcheon rushed to help, but his driving left the motorcyclist with a broken hip, fractured kneecap and extensive ligament damage.

Two surgical procedures were needed to reconstruct damaged ligaments, and plates and pins had to be put in to repair the damage McCutcheon caused.

In Dubbo Local Court, McCutcheon pleaded guilty to one count of negligent driving causing grievous bodily harm.

Defence lawyer Jai Silkman said McCutcheon operated a mobile mechanic servicing business and a conviction would result in the loss of his licence and have a negative impact on people who relied on the business.

“It was a miscalculation … a split second decision,” Mr Silkman told the court.

“It’s been an incredibly difficult time with the drought.

“He doesn’t have a bad record, he has a few matters in the last 10 years.”

McCutcheon was supported by his wife in court. Picture: Jedd Manning

McCutcheon’s record included penalties for not obeying traffic lights and fines for exceeding the speed limit by more than 30km/h and not displaying P-plates.

Magistrate Mal MacPherson said references tendered in court backed McCutcheon’s need for a licence.

“The references indicate there’s a wide number of businesses that are going to be impacted by Mr McCutcheon not having a licence,” he said.

Magistrate MacPherson sentenced McCutcheon to a two year conditional release order and recorded no conviction.

“He’s only to drive to and from the course of his employment for a period of six months,” Magistrate MacPherson said.

“If you’re driving in any other circumstances for those six months then it’s a breach of your bond, you’ll end up being convicted and losing your licence.”