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National
Sara Nichol

Soldier caused serious injury to couple by dangerous driving on Northumberland road

A member of the Armed Forces seriously injured a couple by dangerous driving when she ploughed head-on into their car.

Kirsten Robb was travelling from Albemarle Barracks, in Northumberland, when she overtook another vehicle on the crest of a hill on the Military Road. However, the 30-year-old didn't see the victims' car coming in the opposite direction and smashed into the front of it, a court was told.

The male driver was trapped in the wreckage and had to be cut free by the fire service and taken to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary. His passenger, as well as Robb, were also badly injured.

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Newcastle Magistrates' Court heard that the male suffered a fractured spine, broken ribs, bilateral brain bleeds and soft tissue damage, while his female passenger had a broken shoulder and finger. Robb also suffered a fractured spine.

Robb is now facing jail after she pleaded guilty to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Prosecutor, Claire Armstrong, said the victims were travelling west on the Military Road at around 6.45pm on June 13 last year. Miss Armstrong continued: "The road climbed and a blind crest, with a left hand bend, was at its peak. The defendant left Albemarle Barracks and travelled east on the same road. The defendant drove up an incline on her side of the road and attempted to overtake another vehicle travelling in the same direction as the defendant.

"The overtaking occurred on the crest of the road and, at this point, the defendant found herself in the same lane as the injured parties. The cars collided head-on and it resulted in significant damage to bother cars."

Robb, of an address in Northern Ireland, and the victims were all taken to hospital for treatment.

Miss Armstrong added: "The defendant is of previous good character. The Crown would say that this offence is too serious for magistrates to sentence and I would invite you to commit this to the crown court for sentence."

The court heard Robb, who was in tears throughout most the hearing, was extremely remorseful.

Magistrates committed Robb to Newcastle Crown Court for sentence, where she will appear on June 22. In the meantime, she was given unconditional bail and an interim driving disqualification.

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