A DRIVER’S frustration at being behind a slow-moving tractor had “devastating” consequences when he pulled out to overtake, York Crown Court heard.

Scott Maider, 26, hit motorcyclist Colin Young, 50, head-on on the A170 at Aislaby near Pickering, on June 6, Louise Pryke said in prosecution.

Mr Young has so far had 40 hours of surgery, may yet lose part of a leg and suffered a collapsed lung, broken ribs, arm and other injuries, she said.

Staff Sergeant Maider, of the Royal Dragoon Guards, who lives at Catterick Garrison, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Judge Paul Batty QC said: “Whether it was from frustration or whatever, you took a chance when it was not safe to do so and the consequences were devastating.”

After hearing about Maider’s exemplary army career, including active service in several countries, and that he would face an army hearing over the incident, he said he would do nothing to end his career.

He ordered him to do 90 hours’ unpaid work and pay £7,500 compensation to Mr Young as well as £300 prosecution costs. He also banned him from driving for two years and ordered him to take an extended driving test.

For Maider, Andrew Downie said: “He is deeply sorry and that is an underestimation of his remorse. He is a motorcyclist himself and likes his friends to ‘Think Bike’.”