A VAN driver accused of colliding with the rear of a car on the A303 Ilminster Bypass leaving the driver with life-changing injuries has been ordered to stand trial at Taunton Crown Court.
Jay Elliott is alleged to have impacted with the rear of the vehicle in front which was stationary while waiting to turn right.
The 20-year -old defendant, of St Margaret’s Road, Plymouth, pleaded not guilty to a charge that on June 5 at Ilminster he caused serious injury to Erica Thompson by driving a VW Transporter dangerously on the Ilminster Bypass.
He was also charged with a further offence of careless driving when he appeared in the dock before District Judge Angela Brereton, sitting at Yeovil.
The court was told that the female driver of the car had sustained life-changing injuries as a result of the collision and was now paralysed from the waist down.
The district judge refused to accept jurisdiction for the case and ordered Elliott to stand trial at the crown court.
Both matters were adjourned until December 19 when a pre-trial hearing will take place. In the meantime, the defendant was released on unconditional bail.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here