A FIREFIGHTER may face a retrial over a collision involving an appliance he was driving and a motorcyclist, who was seriously injured.

Kevin Hall was at the wheel of the Volvo engine returning to High Handenhold Fire Station, near Stanley, after a call-out was aborted, shortly after 6am on May 1, last year.

Durham Crown Court heard he was seeking to turn back down the A693 to return to the station.

Although his watch manager suggested turning left onto Green Banks, as the road leading to the station was a no-right turn junction, Mr Hall decided to make the latter turn as there was light traffic on the road and he believed he could, “get round”.

Having indicated right, he veered slightly left before starting the right turn.

Believing there was no traffic immediately behind, Mr Hall looked in his rear-view mirrors and saw a motorcycle striking the front locker of the appliance.

The motorcycle was sent sliding out of control along the road before striking the barrier of the junction.

Crew members administered immediate first-aid before the rider was taken by ambulance to hospital.

Robin Turton, prosecuting, told the court the 52-year-old motorcyclist, who was returning home having worked night shift, suffered serious multiple injuries, including rib fractures, an undisplaced should blade fracture, a smashed spleen, which had to be surgically removed, while his left ring finger had to be amputated.

He remained in hospital for 30 days before he was well enough to be discharged.

Mr Hall told police prior to making the right turn he checked his rear-view mirrors and could only see a car a safe distance back on the westbound carriageway.

The 45-year-old defendant, of Eppleton Hall Close, Seaham, maintained that account at trial this week.

He said he felt the right turn option was, “the safer of the two”.

The court heard the firefighter of 20 years has been driving engines since 2004/5 having undergone specialist hgv training and three-yearly refreshers since.

He admitted contravening a traffic regulation but denied causing serious injury by dangerous/careless driving.

Following the three-day hearing the jury was discharged after failing to reach even a majority verdict.

The case will be ‘mentioned’ in the week of June 17, when the Crown will confirm if it is to seek a re-trial in the case.