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A “grossly-overconfident” young driver whose female passenger cheated death in a “horrendous” high-speed crash has been given an eight-year ban.
Jonathan Hicks, 21, was driving at 76mph in a built-up area of Bargeddie when he lost control of his high-performance Ford Fiesta ST. It hit a wall then rebounded across the road, throwing the front seat passenger through the rear window.
She suffered multiple fractures and had to undergo extensive surgery, remaining bedbound for six months of painful recovery, reports Lanarkshire Live.
Hicks, previously from Coatbridge, narrowly avoided jail when he admitted causing the woman serious injury by dangerous driving.
The crash happened on Coatbridge Road shortly after midnight on September 16, 2023. The court heard that Hicks overtook another car on the dual carriageway, where the speed limit is 30, before losing control and hitting a garden wall.
The woman was found lying on the road, covered in blood and screaming for help. Hicks had sustained a head wound.
Police investigators found he had accelerated from 14mph to 76mph in just 11 seconds.
They also discovered that the woman had not been wearing a seat belt. The court heard she still suffers physical pain and is prone to panic attacks nearly two years on.
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Last year Hicks had his driving licence revoked following a previous careless driving offence.
Defence lawyer Matthew McGovern said he “accepts full responsibility” for causing the woman’s injuries and pointed out there has been no further offending.
The solicitor added: “It was stupidity on his part and a heavy price has been paid. But the sentencing guidelines for young persons apply.
“The court must have regard to the fact that people of his age are less mature and are poorer decision-makers.”
Sheriff Derek Livingston said: “It’s gross over-confidence, thinking he can drive at that speed. It was a horrendous piece of driving with horrendous consequences.
“He is a real danger on the road and it needs to be a long time before he is allowed to drive again.
“I’m minded not to impose custody but to throw the kitchen sink at him.”
Hicks, now of North Ayrshire, must do 300 hours of unpaid community work and will be confined to his home each night under a 12-month electronic tagging order.
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