A man who lost his leg below the knee after he was pinned between a car and a wall has said he is relieved the motorist responsible has been banned from driving.
Kevin Hall, of Aylestone, was severely injured when 77-year-old Alan Hawkins accidentally drove into him after hitting the accelerator instead of the brake as he tried to park.
At Leicester Magistrates' Court yesterday, Hawkins was banned from driving for 12 months and fined £800 after pleading guilty to driving without due care and attention.
However, the court was told Hawkins had already surrendered his licence voluntarily.
Picture: Alan Hawkins (centre wearing glasses)
In giving the fine, Judge John Temperley acknowledged that it would "feel insignificant" to Mr Hall.
After the case, Mr Hall, 53, told the Mercury: "I'm just happy that he's off the road. That was my main objective.
"But I think the police should have been able to revoke the licence there and then."
About the effect of his injury, he said: "Every day is a challenge. We have to think of new ways to do things. We have had to have builders in to adapt things."
Commenting on the sentence, his wife, Sharon, 45, said: "It's like the magistrate said, the fine doesn't reflect what we've been through. It almost belittles what we've been through.
"But he is bound within the law."
The incident happened on May 10, last year , in the car park of Welland Valley Feeds and The Furniture Barn, at Rockingham Industrial Estate, Market Harborough.
Mark Williams, prosecuting, told the court: "The defendant went to park in a parking bay. However, he did not stop, mounted the curb and came into contact with the man.
"The car continued forward and pushed the pedestrian into the wall.
"The defendant remained in that position momentarily."
Mr Hall banged on the car and shouted for Hawkins to reverse.
"The complainant then falls to the floor and it is immediately evident he suffered serious leg injuries," said Mr Williams.
"The road surfaces were dry and the car park itself was in good condition. There's nothing wrong with the vehicle.
"Regarding the accident, he (Hawkins) could not remember a thing until people were shouting at the window."
Mr Williams read out a victim impact statement which said Mr Hall spent 17 days in hospital, undergoing 36 hours of surgery.
Mr Hall's wife had to take time off work to care for him, and the couple had to cancel two holidays.
He is still undergoing tests and scans.
Concluding the case, Judge John Temperley said: "The cause of the accident is unknown. What I can say with certainty is that is was an accident. It was not deliberate and not malicious.
"Mr Hawkins pressed the wrong pedal. It was a momentary error, but the harm caused is severe. It has been life changing for the victim and his family who have my heart-felt sympathy.
"Any fine that I impose will almost certainly feel insignificant to the victim."
Hawkins was also ordered to pay £500 costs and an £80 surcharge.
Naomi Gilchrist, defending Hawkins, of Beaufort Drive, Barton Seagrave, Kettering, said: "You are dealing with a 77-year-old man of good character with over 50 years of courteous driving.
"You have heard he has absolutely no memory of the accident at all."
She said that four weeks after the incident, Hawkins had a heart attack. However, a medical professional was unable to say if the incident was caused by a medical problem.
Ms Gilchrist said the case was "extremely tragic and sad".
She added: "You can only imagine the impact that knowing of the victim's injuries has had on Mr Hawkins.
"He is desperately, desperately sad and sorry and remains at a loss to how this happened.
"He has voluntarily surrendered his licence."
