Sat nav man crashed into a milk tanker on the Scarva Road

Anthony Conn (21), Sandringham Court, Portadown, admitted driving without due care and attention on December 17 at Scarva Road, Banbridge.

He was fined £200, ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy and given six points.

The court heard that at 6.35pm a milk tanker was travelling along the Scarva Road when the defendant drove out of a side road and there was a collision.

There was significant damage to both vehicles. The defendant’s mother suffered significant injuries.

Conn told police he had been using sat-nav and wasn’t aware he was approaching a junction until he was on it.

A solicitor representing the defendant said the road conditions were wet and greasy and Conn over shot at a ‘T’ junction.

He explained that the defendant’s father, brother and mother were also in the car and since this incident Conn has been the carer for his mother. She is progressing but it will be a long term recovery.

District Judge, Mr Paul Copeland, said there had been severe and significant consequences of what happened. He added that technology can be a distraction in a car and there was no substitute for careful driving. But, he said, in light of the family circumstances he would not disqualify the defendant.