Olympic gold medal winner convicted of careless driving

21/07/2011

An Olympic gold medal winner has been convicted of careless driving, after driving on the wrong side of the road and hitting a taxi coming the other way, on 8 May last year.

Linford Christie OBE, 51, of Misbourne Vale, Chalfont St Peter, was today (21/7) found guilty of careless driving, contrary to section 3 of the road traffic Act 1988, by a jury at Aylesbury Crown Court.  He was found not guilty of the charge of dangerous driving.  The jury deliberated for three and a half hours during the three-day trial.

Christie was seen by other road users to cross the carriageway of the A413 Amersham Road in his Audi A8 and drive for some time on the wrong side of the road, colliding with a taxi carrying three passengers, a newly-wed couple and the bride's uncle. Four occupants of the taxi were injured, three badly so, and some are still suffering from the effects of their injuries.

CPS prosecutor Nigel Ogborne, speaking after the hearing, said:

This trial was not about Linford Christie the athlete, winner of the mens 100m in Barcelona, 1992, nor was it about Linford Christie the nice man. It was about Linford Christie, the driver of a car who, on 8 May last year, drove his Audi for 185 metres on the wrong side of the road, hitting an oncoming vehicle; a taxi that contained a husband and wife whom had just got married and the brides uncle, with devastating results.

'There was no evidence that Christie had been speeding, drinking, using drugs or a mobile phone. The jury have heard all the evidence and convicted him of careless driving. Other road users going about their legitimate business have a right to do so. The defendant has been sentenced accordingly for his crime.'

Investigating officer PC Kate Bishop, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: 'This was a very serious collision which left some of those involved with very serious and life-changing injuries. For Claire and Peter Ashton it was a very distressing end to what should have been one of the happiest days of their lives.

'Thames Valley Police will always seek to bring to justice those who drive in a careless or dangerous manner and put the lives of other road users at risk as a result of their actions. The Force remains dedicated to reducing the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads through a combination of both enforcement and education.'

Christie was sentenced after the trial ended. He received a £5,000 fine, a 15-month driving ban and was ordered to pay £1,000 costs.