‘Mercy mission’ driver knocked man off moped

Christopher Cannings knocked a man off his moped and then drove away from the scene.

Cannings, 57, of Ibbison Court, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention and failing to stop after an accident and report it.

Malcolm Isherwood, prosecuting, said a man was riding a moped on Waddington Road, St Annes, on June 2 at 5.50pm, when Cannings pulled out in front of him in a Ford Escort, knocking him off his machine.

Cannings then drove off. The moped rider suffered a sore back and knee and his machine was damaged.

Stephen Duffy, defending, said Cannings acted as a carer for his elderly mother in Selby during the week and as a carer for his partner at the weekends. His partner had been involved in an accident with a lorry and as a result suffered panic attacks.

The day of the offence his partner rang him and said she was having an attack. Cannings was dashing to get a spray she needed to alleviate the attack. He had a momentary lapse of concentration and did not see the moped.

Mr Duffy added: “He stopped momentarily. The moped rider was getting to his feet and he thought he was OK. Because he was on a mercy mission and did not want to be delayed, he left the scene.”

Cannings was fined £185 with £85 costs and ordered to pay a £150 court charge plus £20 victims’ surcharge by Blackpool magistrates.