SNS GroupA man was paralysed after being thrown seven metres through the air in a motorbike crash.
Scott Callaghan, 31, propelled his pillion passenger into the air in Glasgow’s Anniesland on August 17, 2023.
Callaghan had driven at excessive speed and struck a kerb.
His passenger was in hospital for six months with medics determining he was paralysed below the chest.
He also suffered further “life-changing” injuries, which included a number of fractures.
Callaghan pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to causing serious injury to the man by dangerous driving.
The court heard that Callaghan, of Knightswood, was driving the Yamaha off-road bike to a field at 10.19pm.
Prosecutor Victoria Keel said: “He drove at excessive speed and sharply braked and collided with a pavement.
“The bike became airborne, and it collided into a metal fence, which caused [the victim] to be propelled into the air.
“He travelled seven metres before he landed on the ground.”
Both men, who were not wearing protective helmets, were found severely injured at the scene.
The victim was conscious and breathing but did not react to pain.
He was taken to hospital where he was found to have sustained injuries described as “life-changing”.
This included a fracture to his vertebrae, a scalp bone fracture, a nasal bone fracture, as well as scarring to his neck.
“He suffered complete paralysis below his chest, which will be lifelong,” the prosecutor said.
“He will be a full-time wheelchair user and will require assistance to his bed, a car, and the toilet.
“His left hand is weak and will need assistance to carry out daily activities for the rest of his life.”
The fiscal depute further stated that there is a risk of a spinal cord injury, and there was an injury to his bladder and bowel.
The hearing was told that Callaghan also sustained injuries, which included a broken arm and fractured pelvis.
An alcohol test on Callaghan showed that he had a minor amount in his system, but not enough to take him over the drink drive limit.
Calum Weir, defending, told the court: “These were particularly tragic circumstances.
“He will require to live with the consequences of his reckless actions on this occasion.
“They were on good terms and fortunately there is no animosity towards Mr Callaghan.”
Sentencing was deferred upon the dad-of-one until next month pending background reports by Sheriff John McCormick.
The sheriff said: “The consequences to your passenger have been devastating and life-changing.
“I will continue your bail but be under no illusion of the likely sentence to be imposed standing the gravity of this matter – make appropriate arrangements.”
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