A 93-YEAR-OLD driver was responsible for a crash which left a motorcyclist fighting for his life, Blackburn magistrates hear.

The court heard that Audrey Wilson crashed into the vehicle ridden by Harry Nicholson and his wife Patricia at the junction of Pendle Road and the A59 near Clitheroe earlier this year.

The magistrates were told that Wilson, of Northcliffe, Great Harwood, had been driving for more than 70 years without any previous accidents or motoring offences.

And as a result of the collision she had voluntarily surrendered her licence to the DVLA

Wilson pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention.

She was fined £80 with £85 costs and £30 victim surcharge and her licence endorsed with five penalty points.

Philippa White, prosecuting, said the collision occurred at 12.45pm on the A59 at the junction with Pendle Road coming out of Clitheroe.

Wilson had travelled from the town centre and crossed the East Bound carriageway and stopped in the central reservation area waiting to turn right onto the West bound carriageway.

"She pulled out into the path of a motorcycle being ridden by Harry Nicholson with his wife Patricia riding pillion," said Mrs White

"Both suffered serious injuries and had to be air lifted to hospital. Mr Nicholson was so badly injured it was initially thought he may lose his life."

When she was interviewed Wilson said she simply didn't see the bike.

Gareth Price, defending, said the nature of the junction was partly responsible for the accident although his client accepted she didn't see the motorbike and that was down to her.

"She stopped in the middle of the road and let other traffic to pass before she pulled out at slow speed when she thought the road was clear," said Mr Price. "The level by which her driving fell below the accepted standard was low and it is unfortunate the consequences were so serious."

He said Wilson had started driving before you needed a licence, had driven professionally at one stage and had never had an accident or had any points on her licence.

Passing sentence the chairman of the magistrates said they recognised it had been a momentary lapse in concentration.