A retired florist has vowed never to drive again after causing a crash which left a biker with catastrophic injuries.

The incident happened in August last year at a junction on the B2067 at Malthouse Lane near Warehorne, Ashford.

Now 73-year-old Judy Older - who had an unblemished driving record prior to the accident - has handed back her licence and never intends to drive again.

Maidstone Crown Court heard how she now torments herself daily about the crash which happened after she failed to see the motorcyclist, former police Sergeant David Price.

Mr Price, who was on his way to visit the Battle Of Britain Museum in Hawkhurst on his Honda, was airlifted to hospital and so far has undergone skin, bone and flesh grafts while enduring more than 60 hospital trips.

Prosecutor Ben Irwin said that the victim had spent 41-years riding bikes without a single accident, including many years as a highly-trained police traffic officer.

But his passion for riding - which included owning three bikes and travelling abroad - came to an end on a fine sunny day on August 13 last year when Older, driving her blue Toyota, pulled out of the junction without seeing him.

The court heard how the Honda had been travelling within the 60mph limit with dipped beams.

It struck the side of Older's car causing severe injuries to Mr Price's pelvis and both wrists.

Mr Irwin added that experts later concluded the bike was visible for up to 80 metres, but Older had "looked but failed to see" it.

Mr Price, who still did two part-time jobs after retiring from Sussex Police - was so devastated by his injuries, he sold his bikes and took down his biker posters because he no longer wants to be reminded of his passion.

The prosecutor revealed how Mrs Price had been alerted to the crash and told to "expect the worst" as she headed to the London hospital.

Older, of Mill Road, Aldington, Ashford escaped an immediate jail sentence after admitting causing serious injuries by driving dangerously.

"I am horrified I didn't see the motorcycle and horrified his life has been changed forever..."

Her barrister Christopher Martin revealed how the retired florist had been driving since 1976 - "without a blemish" on her driving record.

But days after the accident, she returned her driving licence and revealed: "I am horrified I didn't see the motorcycle and horrified his life has been changed forever and wish I could turn back the clocks."

Mr Martin added how she is "daily tormented by the shame of what she has done" and thinks about the anguish Mr Price and his family are enduring.

"This was a case of looking and failing to see by a woman who is of exemplary character. She has shown genuine remorse and acknowledge from the outset that it was her fault," added Mr Martin.

Older was given a 12-month jail sentence suspended for 18-months, banned from driving for two years and ordered to pay £500 prosecution costs.

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