A RANGE ROVER driver has been fined after he pulled out of side road and hit a Vauxhall Corsa, leaving a man with a fractured back.

At Bolton Magistrates’ Court Ghansyam Dhanji admitted driving without due care and attention.

James Gore, prosecuting, told how the 44-year-old owner of a chain of shops was driving out of Westland Avenue, Farnworth, onto Worsley Road at 1am on September 3 after visiting a friend.

“There was an unavoidable collision,” said Mr Gore.

“Both were trying to brake but unfortunately they collided.”

The court heard that Dhanji, of Grasmere Crescent, Eccles, was of previous good character.

Shah Ali, defending, described the crash as an “error of judgement”.

“He did see this vehicle coming from the right but genuinely thought that he had sufficient time to undertake his manoeuvre. He completely miscalculated,” said Mr Ali, who added that the Corsa came off worst as Dhanji was driving a heavier Range Rover Sport.

He stressed that Dhanji, who runs News, Food and Booze Ltd, and is a married father-of-two, remained at the scene until police arrived and pleaded guilty to careless driving.

“He is very, very sorry and quite apologetic - very upset with regards to what’s gone on,” said Mr Ali.

He added that Dhamji has been working hard for the community during the pandemic, delivering food to customers who cannot reach the shops.

Magistrates fined him £153, added five penalty points to his licence and he was also ordered to pay £119 in costs and

charges.