Nicky Butt banned from driving after breaking motorcyclist’s leg
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Nicky Butt, the former England footballer, has said he “could not be more sorry” for breaking a motorcyclist’s leg in a crash, as he was banned from driving for 12 months.
Butt, 49, was also ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work after the incident, which took place in Burnley on Oct 17 2022, when he pulled out in front of a motorbike during a “momentary lapse of concentration” while driving his Land Rover Defender, Blackburn magistrates’ court heard.
The victim, Adam Fielding, 28, suffered a broken left leg and other injuries, spending two weeks in hospital after the crash.
He has since had to have metal rods inserted in his leg, lost his job, suffered psychological damage and is in constant pain, the court was told.
The former Manchester United midfielder admitted causing serious injury by careless driving at an earlier hearing and was ordered to pay a £140 government surcharge and £85 costs.
‘Truly sorry about the accident’
In a letter to Mr Fielding, Butt said: “I have not stopped thinking about the accident and the effect it must have had on you and your family. I am truly sorry about the accident.
“I never set out to hurt anybody that night. What happened was a total accident. I checked and checked and checked again.
“If I could go back and change the events of that journey I would.
“I hope you can put this accident behind you. I could not be more sorry. I can only hope you can take this letter for what it is, heartfelt.”
John Dye, the barrister representing Butt, said the former Old Trafford player had stayed at the scene after the crash, had no previous convictions and had pleaded guilty.
‘A serious error’
District Judge Alex Preston said: “I have no doubt you deeply regret what happened and feel genuine remorse.
“This was a serious error by you. All drivers must ‘think bike’ at junctions.”
Butt was in United’s famed “Class of 92” with David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary and Phil Neville.
By the time he left the club in 2004, he had helped United win six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and a Champions League trophy.
