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@jimmy8ball
Hello everybody. Just wanted to post an update. Veronika's criminal trial (vs the lorry driver) concluded this afternoon after several delays. It was supposed to take place in November.
The good news is he was found guilty. The charge was careless driving (driving without due care & attention), which is pretty low down the scale in terms of criminal offences. But what you've got to bear in mind is that the extent of the injuries can't be taken into consideration. Yes, that kind of sucks and I understand the law may be changing in that regard, but it does make sense.
So anyway, he got points and a fine. The important thing was that Veronika was cleared of any fault, which is really all we wanted to hear. Course, he could appeal, but we'll deal with that if and when. I thought the judge (it was a magistrates court) was very fair in his assessment and we're glad that the driver didn't get disqualified. It's his livelihood after all, the first time something like this had happened and I'm pretty sure the weight on his conscience is lesson enough.
Rather touchingly, the judge seemed really affected by the case and during his conclusion said he would get the clerk to compile all of the case reports along with a preface from him and send it to Boris and other relevant parties to help support the campaigns to get something done about that shitty roundabout. Thought that was a nice touch and our civil lawyer is keen to jump on the opportunity to do some campaigning too.
Veronika's doing good. We do keep meaning to come to beers one night, but she's been getting back into working, so we'll keep intending to come out and hopefully make good on it soon :)
Her mobility is coming along - she's down to one stick outdoors and can walk with no sticks round the house. She get's a setback every now and again when her stump changes shape as the leg no longer fits, but that's to be expected. Think we'll try out some cycling with Wheels for Wellbeing this summer and I'm also considering getting a tandem. Could be fun!
cheers all
james x