Josephine Vitalie D’Amico sentenced for negligent driving injuring motorcyclist Johnnie Walker at Taren Point

A former truck driver has spoken about being unable to walk, work or go fishing with his children - after spending a year in pain requiring multiple surgeries - on the day a university student learnt her fate for crashing into his motorcycle.

Josephine Vitalie D’Amico (right) was sentenced for seriously injuring motorcyclist Johnnie Walker when she tried to do a u-turn. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

A father has spoken about the life-changing impact of being flung from his motorbike when a young driver crashed into him when trying to perform a U-turn.

Josephine Vitalie D’Amico, 19, was sentenced in Sutherland Local Court on Tuesday after she pleaded guilty to negligent driving causing grievous bodily harm.

Agreed facts tendered to court said Vitalie D’Amico – who was 18 at the time – was driving on Parraweena Rd in Taren Point about midnight on November 12 last year when she stopped next to the kerb to perform a U-turn.

But when she pulled out, she collided with Johnnie Walker, who was riding his motorcycle.

Johnnie Walker had multiple surgeries but still lives in pain. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

Mr Walker, of Cronulla, was flung onto the road before he was taken to hospital with 16 fractures to his left leg that required surgeries.

Outside court, Mr Walker said he didn’t want to see Vitalie D’Amico go to jail because she was only young, but he explained the impact the collision had on his life and that of his two children and elderly father, who has dementia.

“I am unable to walk, I can’t work, it has been hard financially and hopefully my superannuation will be released,” he said.

“I can’t go fishing with my kids or camping and I can’t walk my dog.

“I need to have another operation. If it doesn’t work, then I will have to have my leg amputated.

“There has been a lot of pain and suffering. But I am lucky to be alive.”

Josephine Vitalie D’Amico supported in court by her parents. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

Mr Walker, who uses a wheelchair, had a circular frame fixed to his leg internally and externally with pins, wires and bars.

He said there would be years of rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy.

He said he tried to remain positive and desperately wanted to return to his profession of truck driving, which he loved.

Mr Walker said drivers needed to be more educated about motorbikes on the road and pleaded with drivers to stay focused.

The court heard Vitalie D’Amico told police she had signalled and checked her blind spots but did not see the bike.

Vitalie D’Amico, from Menai, accepted full responsibility and expressed genuine remorse for Mr Walker and his family.

Johnnie Walker pictured with his friend Barry Price who supported in him in court. Picture: Ashleigh Tullis

She also completed driving courses and decided to stop driving for some time.

Vitalie D’Amico, who was supported in court by her parents, had completed her first year of university and worked as a bar and gaming host.

Magistrate Hugh Donnelly said Vitalie D’Amico’s actions amounted to more than “momentary inattention”.

He accepted the impact on Mr Walker had been “profound” because of the level of pain, loss of employment, and his not being able to do simple tasks or care for his elderly father.

Mr Donnelly accepted Vitalie D’Amico was contrite and had no previous criminal history.

He imposed a jail sentence to be served in the community for six months with 150 hours of community service, and she was disqualified from driving for two years.