A devastating collision near Bexhill has left a 19-year-old motorcyclist from Eastbourne facing life-altering injuries after a careless driving maneuver by Stuart Hutchinson on the A259 at Hooe. The incident, which occurred on November 29, 2023, at approximately 8:30 a.m., underscores the catastrophic impact of a momentary lapse in judgment.
Hutchinson, aged 40, was driving a white Nissan Qashqai when he abruptly turned into the path of the motorcyclist. Dashcam footage presented in Hastings Magistrates’ Court revealed the driver’s attempt to avoid a traffic buildup by making a sudden turn near the Custom Café. Tragically, this decision left the motorcyclist with no time to react, leading to a collision that changed his life forever.
“Haunted by the Moment”: The Rider’s Testimony
Recalling the harrowing moment, the rider shared: “The image of the white car turning in front of me, leaving me helpless, haunts me every night.” Now 19 years old, the victim suffered multiple severe injuries, including broken legs, arms, shoulder blades, spinal injuries, and damage to his Achilles tendon. The impact has not only left him physically scarred but has also taken an emotional toll.
“This memory is a constant source of stress,” he added. “It feels like I am reliving the moment when I believed I was about to die.”
The rider’s ongoing recovery is marked by enduring pain and anxiety, as well as the emotional scars of an accident that could have been avoided.
Police: “A Moment of Carelessness Can Be Devastating”
PC Lewis Jordan of the Roads Policing Unit highlighted the grave implications of Hutchinson’s actions. Speaking after the court hearing, he said: “This case demonstrates the devastating consequences of a moment of carelessness. It highlights the need for all motorists to take care on our roads, and to look out for vulnerable road users.”
PC Jordan emphasised the importance of mindful driving, particularly when performing turns or other maneuvers that could pose a risk to motorcyclists and cyclists. “All drivers should check that a maneuver is safe to complete, and in the case of cycles and motorcycles, think bike.”
The court heard that Hutchinson declined to comment during his interview when asked whether he would have executed the same maneuver during a driving test. This further underscored the recklessness of his actions, which were described as an ill-judged attempt to save mere minutes in traffic.
Legal Consequences for Hutchinson
At the court hearing on November 20, Hutchinson admitted to causing serious injury by careless driving. The magistrates sentenced him to a 15-month driving disqualification and imposed a community order, requiring him to complete rehabilitation activities. Hutchinson, formerly a chef residing on Brinklehurst Drive in Bexhill, expressed no public statement during the proceedings.
