MP in court for careless driving

Burns could not be in court as he was involved in a Parliamentary bill.

An Essex MP admitted careless driving after he broke an army major's neck leaving Parliament.

Conservative MP for West Chelmsford Simon Burns, 56, pleaded guilty to the offence in his absence at Westminster Magistrates' Court.

The court heard Burns pulled out of Parliament in his Land Rover leaving Major Stuart Lane had no time to avoid hitting the vehicle on 3 April.

Burns was fined £400 and ordered to pay £200 in legal costs.

The court heard Major Lane was thrown over the handlebars of his bicycle and broke two vertebrae in his neck.

'A misjudgement'

Prosecutor Kristel Pous said Major Lane has to wear a neck brace and the long-term effects of the injuries, which are not known, could affect his army career.

Melanie Cumberland defending, told the court Burns, of New London Road, Chelmsford, was not at court as he was involved in the Police and Criminal Bill taking place in parliament.

Miss Cumberland said: "He moved out, he thought it was clear, it was a misjudgement.

"He wishes to express his regret at the consequence of the accident."

Sentencing Burns, district judge Timothy Workman, said: "Emerging into Parliament Square from the Palace of Westminster is a difficult manoeuvre which needs extra vigilance.

"Although he told police he saw the road was clear, he was clearly mistaken.

"He should not have moved forward at the time the view was obscured."