A 64-year-old HGV driver has been sentenced to community service after being found guilty after a trial of causing serious bodily harm by careless driving.

Mark Stephen Hodgson, of Birch Hill Avenue, in Onchan, had previously pleaded not guilty to the offence.

He was banned from driving for 12 months and must do 100 hours of unpaid work.

The incident happened on North Quay in Douglas on January 12 when Hodgson was said to injured a woman’s foot.

A probation report said that he was going to pick up his partner at 6pm and had made a driving error.

clean licence

Hodgson was said to be a tanker driver who previously had a clean driving licence.

Defence advocate Peter Taylor handed in references on behalf of his client.

Mr Taylor said that the trial had not found that the woman had been knocked to the ground but that it had been a ‘glancing blow’ which had caused her to shift her position and put her foot in front of the vehicle.

‘He genuinely thought that he had given enough room,’ said the advocate.

‘It is his intention to get another job, he is not going to sit idle.

remorseful

‘It is a tragic situation, he is remorseful.

‘Mr Hodgson is going to suffer in the long run, losing his employment.

‘Financially his family will have to keep him until he finds employment.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes also ordered Hodgson to pay £1,500 prosecution costs but said that no compensation was due as insurers were dealing with that matter.

He must also retake his test at the end of the ban.