A LONG-DISTANCE lorry driver claimed he had not seen two horses he ploughed into, injuring their young riders, a court heard yesterday.

Kenneth Bailey, 53, of Geneva Crescent, Darlington, pleaded guilty by post to driving without due care and attention in the town's Neasham Road in December last year.

Darlington Magistrates Court was told that 16-year-old Gemma Roper and 14-year-old Jennifer Nelson had set off on their ride from a stables near Neasham Road at 2.30pm and rode for about two hours around the roads and bridlepaths in the area.

The court heard that both girls were wearing hard hats and high-visibility clothing, and that one of the horses had a flashing red light attached to it.

They were returning to the stables, in single file along Neasham Road when they became aware of a vehicle behind them.

The court heard that Jennifer's mother, Elaine Nelson, was watching the girls ride down the road when she saw a Transit van approaching.

She told police that she had screamed at it to stop but it had driven into them, causing both girls to fall off their horses.

The court heard that both horses had to be put down. Jennifer suffered a lot of pain in her back after the incident and Gemma sustained fractured ribs and had to spend ten days in hospital.

Gemma continues to wear a body brace and is waiting to start physiotherapy. She continues to receive hospital treatment.

The court also heard that Gemma's injuries stopped her going on a youth work placement and she had missed out on a job.

When interviewed by police, Bailey said he was travelling home at the time of the accident when he suddenly hit a horse.

He said he had not seen the animals even though he had not been distracted, although it was raining.

He told police he needed glasses for long-distance driving, but his optician had told him he did not need them for short distances, so he was not wearing them at the time of the accident.

In his written defence, Bailey said he accepted responsibility for the incident.

The magistrates adjourned the hearing for sentencing until March 20 when they ordered Bailey to appear before them.