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A court has heard that a motorcyclist’s heart was severed by a rib in a crash in Ludford

A court has heard that a motorcyclist’s heart was severed by a rib in a crash in Ludford

Police say a driver who failed to yield at an intersection almost killed a motorcyclist.

Paul Brinkley (61), of 20th Avenue, Hull, was driving on the B1255 between Horncastle and Caistor on April 14 when his Renault Captur collided with a Suzuki motorcycle.

On Wednesday, Lincolnshire Magistrates’ Court heard that the victim, also a 60-year-old man, almost died when a piece of a broken rib pierced his heart.

Brinkley, who admitted causing serious injury by careless or reckless driving, was ordered to complete 135 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to complete rehabilitation and banned from driving for 12 months.

In total, the motorcyclist suffered 18 broken ribs and a broken arm.

An investigation by Lincolnshire Police found that the motorcycle was traveling at a speed of approximately 64.4 km/h and that Brinkley failed to yield at the intersection.

Investigators said Brinkley should have seen the oncoming motorcycle for about six to nine seconds before he made the decision to back out.

Speaking after the hearing, PC David Millican said these calculations showed how critical seconds were when driving and how losing concentration could have “dire consequences”.

He added: “I am appealing to every driver to exercise caution when leaving the scene. Wait until the right break comes and take your time, not life.

PC Millican said it would likely take around two years for the victim to fully recover.

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