A MOMENTARY lapse of concentration caused an accident on the A465 at Llanfihangel Crucorney which left the other driver with 37 fractures of the femur, a court heard.

In a letter to the court the driver said he was deeply sorry for the injuries and stress caused by the devastating accident he caused when his car hit the nearside kerb and went across the road, colliding with another car travelling in the opposite direction.

Abergavenny magistrates adjourned sentence on the driver, Robert Philip John Pugh, 50, of Fern Cottage, Fownhope, Hereford who admitted driving without due care and attention on July 15.

Prosecutor Rachel Knight said the accident happened within the 50mph zone in the village when the defendant's car hit the kerb and he lost control.

The car collided with a Citroen Saxo driven by Stephen Chadwick whose car crashed into a tree at the side of the road. Mr Chadwick's injuries included a broken right arm, a fractured pelvis and his femur was broken in 37 places.

When interviewed the defendant told police he was travelling at between 45 - 50mph when he momentarily lost control after his wheel clipped the nearside kerb.

He was very dazed after the crash and suffered a broken leg, while his wife had seat belt burns and bruising as well as a hairline fracture of the elbow. Their grand-daughter who was with them was unhurt.

In his letter the defendant said he had been driving for 33 years and has a clean licence. Magistrates adjourned their sentence until December 22.