A woman has been banned from driving after crashing into and seriously injuring a cyclist.

Kathleen McDonald, aged 75, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving in Weymouth Magistrates Court on Wednesday, July 3.

This relates to an incident on Higher Shaftesbury Road in Blandford Forum on November 23, 2022.

Elizabeth Valera, prosecuting, said that the 69-year-old victim had been riding his bicycle when McDonald drove up behind him and collided with him - hitting him with the side of her car and her wing mirror as she drove past.

The victim suffered serious injuries, including six broken vertebrae and needed 10 stitches to his right thigh.

Mr McGee, mitigating, says that McDonald had no previous criminal or driving record.

Mr McGee said: "She is very remorseful, it was a momentary lapse. The sun was low in the sky; unfortunately, he was not as visible as he could have been.

"She is of previous good character, has no points on her licence and has never been in an accident."

The court heard that McDonald is 'virtually dependant on driving' to pick up prescriptions and for doctor appointments for herself and her husband.

McDonald has been disqualified from driving for 12 months, backdated from her initial interim disqualification in May.

She has also been fined £300 and must pay £85 in court costs and a surcharge of £120.