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Tractor driver caught on CCTV crushing oncoming car escapes prison sentence
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A tractor driver who was caught smashing into an oncoming car has escaped a prison sentence.
In September last year, Tyler Sowerby was seen driving a massive Case iH tractor just outside an RAF base in Suffolk.
In CCTV footage released, the 19-year-old can be seen heading down a long two-lane road, with a line of traffic behind him.
After a few seconds, his tractor then veers wildly across onto the other side, heading straight for a silver Honda coming in his direction.
Unable to move out of its path, Sowerby's tractor crashes straight into the car, its massive wheels rolling over the top of it before eventually flipping onto its side.
Fortunately, the driver of the Honda, a Mr Davis, managed to survive the collision and was not badly injured.
Sowerby was later charged with careless driving and driving while unfit through drugs.
During a hearing at Carlisle Magistrates' Court, prosecutors said Mr Davis thought Sowerby, from Lazonby, Cumbria, would straighten up and get back on his 'own side' of the road.
Unfortunately, though, he didn't
"He drives his tractor on top of the car, and the tractor turns over,' Graeme Tindall told the court.
"When I show you the photographs, you will be amazed there are no serious injuries."
Defending their client, solicitor Duncan Campbell said the teen, who had amphetamine in his system at the time, had 'lost control' of the vehicle.
He told the court: "Thank goodness nobody was injured. I think this young man was taken to hospital, that was precautionary.
"The Honda driver was uninjured. It was not as serious as it could have been."
Mr Campbell also delved into Sowerby's difficult upbringing, which he said led him to fall into the 'drug world'.
He went on: "There have been difficulties that most people don't have to deal with. He has had to deal with them. It is to his credit that he has done so."
Mr Campbell added: "Thankfully it is at an end."
Sowerby pleaded guilty to careless driving and driving while unfit through drugs.
He had also previously admitted a separate drug-driving offence committed in February last year, where he was found to be over the legal driving limit for cocaine.
Sowerby was sentenced for both incidents, receiving an eight-week prison sentence, which was suspended for 12 months.
The teen was also ordered to complete a rehabilitation requirement and carry out 60 hours' unpaid work.
He was also banned from driving for three years.
