A lorry driver pleaded guilty to causing serious injury to a jogger after he failed to bring in one of the stabilising legs on his flatbed truck.

Newcastle Magistrates Court heard that Andrew Brady, 58, failed to withdraw one of the lorry’s stabilising legs before setting off along Cleadon Lane, in Cleadon, South Tyneside.

He drove for nearly two thirds of a mile with the leg stretched out above the pavement before it stuck a male runner, who suffered serious injuries, including a fractured vertebrae, a bleed on the brain and broken ribs.

Brady, of Skendleby Drive, in Kenton, Newcastle, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and pleaded guilty to the charge when he appeared before Newcastle Magistrates' Court last week.

Tracey Wood, prosecuting, told the court the leg was stretched out over the pavement when it hit the jogger, causing him “significant injuries” and requiring surgery.

Wood added: "This is a case the Crown would say isn't suitable to be finalised here. There has been serious injury caused by dangerous driving."

The court heard that Brady had no past convictions. He was released on unconditional bail to next appear at Newcastle Crown Court on 27 May for sentence.

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