A 19-year-old driver who left a motorist with a suspected broken back after an A9 car accident has been banned for three years.
David Millar, Buchanan Street, Edinburgh, said he had fallen asleep at the wheel when his car veered across the road and into oncoming traffic on the Perth to Inverness road, near Bankfoot.
At Perth Sheriff Court, Millar admitted his car dangerously crossed over a large, chevroned area, bordered by a solid white line, on to the opposing carriageway and into the path of an oncoming black Hyundai being driven by James Richmond.
Depute fiscal Carol Whyte said Mr Richmond was travelling north up the single carriageway A9 on a camping trip.
She said: “Mr Richmond attempted to take evasive action.
“He mounted a grass verge but was unable to avoid the collision. Mr Richmond became trapped in his vehicle and had to be cut free.”
He was taken to Ninewells Hospital where he was treated for a possible broken back. Mrs Whyte said that doctors discovered Mr Richmond had a cracked vertebrae and spinal column but he was able to leave hospital the next day.
Sheriff Fiona Tait ordered Millar to complete 300 hours of unpaid work, to undergo 10 months supervision and to attend the road traffic awareness programme as part of a community payback order.