A MAN who sustained serious injuries when he was knocked down by a drink driver is to take legal action.
Christopher Kelly was mown down as he walked a dog on the pavement at Green Hut corner on Grange Road in Shilbottle on May 16.
The 45-year-old HGV driver, who is currently staying with his ex-partner at The Haven in Shilbottle, hit the windscreen of the car and was catapulted over a wall.
The dog, a Pomeranian which belonged to his former partner, was killed instantly.
Mr Kelly broke both legs, fractured multiple ribs, needed four blood transfusions and will require a replacement knee.
He has been left with severe scarring and will require extensive further treatment to get him back on his feet again.
The driver, Danielle McKewon, 30, of Clayport Gardens, Alnwick, was just under four times the legal alcohol limit and left the scene before police arrived.
Now Mr Kelly has instructed Helen Seabury, from the North East office of law firm Irwin Mitchell, to apply for compensation to ensure he receives appropriate financial compensation, care and rehabilitation. McKewon pleaded guilty before Alnwick magistrates to driving with excess alcohol, careless driving and failing to stop after an accident.
She was sentenced on Wednesday to a two-year sentence, suspended for six months, a curfew and tag for six months, 300 hours’ community service and a five-year driving ban, which will be reduced if she completes a rehabilitation course.
Mr Kelly said: “I am content with the court’s verdict and now just want to concentrate on getting back on my feet.”
Ms Seabury said: “We are investigating a compensation claim on behalf of Mr Kelly who was very seriously injured as a result of the actions of a drunk driver.
“Any compensation he receives is unlikely to fully repair the damage, nor erase the awful memories of such a traumatic experience, but it will hopefully be able to provide him with the best possible rehabilitation and enable him to be as comfortable as possible as he recovers.”
Mr Kelly was not released from Wansbeck General Hospital until last Friday.
He was a fit, active man before the accident and regularly went to the gym, and used to take the dog out for long walks. The victim now faces being wheelchair bound for some considerable time and has to rely on others to perform basic tasks for him.
Mr Kelly will be unable to work as a driver for the foreseeable future.
Prosecutor James Long told the court on Wednesday: “He obviously has great concerns about whether he is going to be fit enough to resume that occupation in due course.”
