Mobility scooter rider escapes conviction

An elderly Picton woman has been discharged without conviction in what is thought to be New Zealand's first prosecution for careless use of a mobility scooter causing injury.

Because of the nature of the charge, June Bridgman, 89, who knocked down another woman with her mobility scooter earlier this year, was also disqualified from holding a driver's licence, even though she has never held one before, the Marlborough Express reported today.

The victim, Invercargill woman Elva Ellison, said yesterday she held no malice toward Bridgman, but felt that she had to be held accountable and that a tougher sentence would have been appropriate.

In Blenheim District Court, Judge Tony Zohrab also ordered Bridgman to pay $2000 in reparations.

Bridgman earlier pleaded guilty to the charge of carelessly operating a vehicle and causing injury on January 5 this year.

Police prosecutor sergeant Graham Single said she was crossing a pedestrian crossing in the centre of Picton about 11am that day when she twice hit a 71-year-old woman who was also using the crossing, knocking her to the ground.

- NZPA