HR director's 'lapse of judgement' caused A64 crash

A HR director's "momentary lapse of judgement" caused a crash on the A64 that seriously injured a woman on her way to a funeral, a court heard.

Frances Mackenzie, 49, appeared at York Magistrates' Court on Thursday for sentencing over the collision between York and Scarborough on 8 August.

The court was told that Mackenzie "simply didn't see" the victim's car when she pulled out directly in front of it.

She was fined £1,969 and given a 12-month driving ban after she admitted causing serious injury by careless driving.

The victim had been travelling to Scarborough for a family funeral and had to be cut free from her vehicle. She suffered a number of broken bones and had to learn to walk again.

Mackenzie also broke her pelvis in the crash and the court was told her injuries meant it was not appropriate that she be ordered to complete unpaid work in the community.

Prosecuting, Martin Butterworth said the victim had been unable to drive since the incident and underwent daily physiotherapy.

He added: "As she set off to go to Scarborough, she didn't anticipate the journey would result in a life-changing car accident."

Mackenzie's defence solicitor said she worked in HR in York and was an "ordinary member of the public" whose lapse had had "truly devastating consequences".

She took full responsibility for the collision and had shown "genuine and sincere remorse".

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