Pensioner knocked down teenage girl

The driver, 78-year-old Matilda Campbell, has not driven since the accident in the Crescent Link area of the Waterside.

Campbell, of Hampton Crescent, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily injury by careless driving on October 23, last year.

Derry Magistrate’s Court heard Campbell ran a red light and struck a pedestrian at a crossing close to Crescent Link Fire Station.

The injured party sustained ‘serious injuries’ and was taken to hospital by an ambulance which was passing by.

The 15-year-old sustained a laceration to her forehead which ‘went to the bone’.

She also sustained a fracture to her spine and pelvis.

A defence solicitor told the court his client did not see the red light on this night as it was dark, very wet and she was distracted.

He said Campbell has been driving for over 60 years without so much as a penalty point.

The solicitor added the 78-year-old acted ‘impeccably’ after the accident and repeatedly contacted police to check on the welfare of the injured party.

District Judge Barney McElholm fined Campbell £750 and disqualified her from driving for one year.

He said the incident was ‘unforunate’ and the victim was left with ‘serious injuries’.