A DRUG driver who smashed into a pensioner’s mobility scooter, leaving him seriously injured, must wait to be sentenced after a dispute over the medical evidence in the case.

Carl Ianson admits taking cocaine before the horror crash which left 68-year-old Anthony Flounders with multiple injuries including a fractured skull, several fractured ribs and leg fractures.

But while a report commissioned by the Crown suggested the drug had been taken six to eight hours beforehand, Ianson’s barrister David Lamb said he maintained it had been taken two days beforehand.

Judge Peter Armstrong, sitting at Teesside Crown Court, was also moved to seek clarity over the effect of BZE, a by-product produced when cocaine is broken by down the body.

This was found in Ianson’s blood, but evidence from a forensic scientist used by the prosecution said it would have had no pharmacological effect.

Ianson, 31, of Kesteven Road, Hartlepool, admits causing serious injury by dangerous driving in Belle Vue Way, in the town, on October 17 last year. He was tested and found to be four times over the legal limit for a controlled drug.

Prosecutor Harry Hadfield said: “The Crown say squarely that cocaine impairment has contributed to the manner of driving, it being dangerous.”

Judge Armstrong said that unless the issues in the case were resolved it could lead to an injustice with Ianson either being given too harsh or too lenient a sentence.

The judge said it was unfortunate that issues had been raised by the defence late in the day, with Mr Lamb responding that it was not a case of Ianson wanting to put the sentence off.

Mr Hadfield said a number of questions had been emailed to the scientist, but it was likely to take time to respond. Sentence was therefore adjourned until December 7.