Disqualified Chesterfield biker 'almost lost his leg' when he ploughed into car

Ashley Richard Arundell was on his way back from the gym on his Honda motorbike while he was subject to a 40-month driving ban, when the incident happened on August 29 last year - leaving him with devastating leg injuries.

The 29-year-old, from Princess Street, Brimington, was sentenced for driving while disqualified and driving with no insurance when he appeared before Chesterfield Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, July 7.

Due to his injuries, he had not attended an earlier hearing at the court, where he was found guilty in his absence.

Prosecuting, Becky Allsop told the court that Arundell had been witnessed clocking speeds of 45mph on the bike in the Brimington area and collided with the other vehicle, which was reversing in the carriageway ahead.

Arundell, who was coming to the end of the driving ban when the collision occurred, was thrown from the motorbike, causing serious injuries to his leg, she told the court.

Mitigating, David Gittins told the court that Arundell had become a changed man following the incident.

He said: “He was unable to leave his home due to his medical condition and he didn’t fully understand that at the last hearing the case would have been proved in his absence, but he would have pleaded guilty if he had attended.

“Thankfully, it was Mr Arundell who was injured, otherwise he would have gone to prison today no question.

“He suffered five severe fractures in his leg, it turned black and he almost lost it - he’s been in hospital and he’s had five surgeries. If there is a moment in his life when you think, ‘I’ve been an absolute prat’, then this is it.

“His fibula and tibia are now fused together because that is the way they have grown back, and further surgeries will be needed.”

Arundell was jailed for 24 weeks, suspended for 18 months and was told he must complete a 19-day thinking skills programme with the probation service.

He was also disqualified for a further 18 months, ans ordered to pay £85 costs and a £122 victim surcharge.

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