Man's scalp sliced in horrific car smash - drivers walk free from court

A man spent two weeks in Rochdale Infirmary after having his scalp sliced off in a horrific car accident.

Father-of-two Martin Shone, 29, needed 300 stitches in his head, had a broken shoulder, and suffered injuries to his liver, kidney and lungs.

The two drivers involved in the smash appeared before the courts yesterday (Tuesday 20 January), but escaped with suspended sentences.

Hadley Pollard, 28, of Rochdale Road, Todmorden, and Mark Bingham, 23, of Littleborough, were sentenced at Bradford Crown Court.

Mr Shone was a passenger in a Citreon Saxo which was driving over the tops from Littleborough to Todmorden, which was being driven by Mark Bingham. Hadley Pollard followed in his Golf GTI.

Pollard attempted to overtake at 80mph, and the two cars smashed into each other.

Pollard hit two lampposts, uprooting one. He ran from the crash with girlfriend Sarah Stansfield, who suffered a broken arm.

He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report an accident.

He was given 11 months, suspended, for a year with a 12- month community order, supervision and 120 hours' unpaid work.

He must pay £1,000 costs and was banned from driving for three years.

Bingham admitted dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol, as he was over the legal limit.

He was given an eight month sentence, suspended for a year, with a one year community order, was ordered to pay £700 costs and has been banned from driving for three years.