A 87-year-old Dundee man hit a pedestrian with his out-of-control Volkswagen after he “forgot” he was driving an automatic.
John Gowans hit bystander Devibai Jethwa, who was 70 at the time, outside the Apex hotel in August 2022.
First offender Gowans, of Seafield Lane, has been banned from holding a driving licence until he is sentenced next month.
He admitted driving without due care and attention.
The crash happened in August last year, after he lost control of his Volkswagen Polo, which had only been registered in the spring.
After hitting Mrs Jethwa, he continued on, spinning and careering into a Ford C-Max Zetec, which was parked nearby.
‘I’m used to a manual’
After the smash Gowans was heard to say “I’m used to a manual” and said he had put his foot on the wrong pedal.
Automatic cars have only an accelerator and brake pedal, so drivers only use their right foot.
Thinking he was pressing the brake, Gowans accelerated hard into the accident by depressing the accelerator, Dundee Sheriff Court was told.
Depute fiscal Calum Brown added: “At around 2.30pm the pedestrian witness was on the footpath outside the hotel.
“While performing a manoeuvre he hit the pavement.
“The accused continued to accelerate.
“An ambulance was called for the complainer.”
Gowans admitted on August 30 2022, at West Victoria Dock Road, seriously injuring Devibai Jethwa by driving a car without due care and attention, driving on to the pavement, colliding with Mrs Jethwa and colliding with a motor vehicle.
Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown called for criminal and social work reports and deferred sentence on Gowans until May 17.
She also ordered for him to be banned from holding or obtaining a driving licence on an interim disqualification.
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