A HAMPSHIRE driver who left a mum with a series of devastating injuries when he hit the horse she was riding has admitted driving without due care and attention.

Cheryl Kirkhope, 46, suffered a broken back, fractured ribs, a broken nose and a head injury when the driver failed to spot her and knocked her from her horse after she stopped to give tourists directions at Crow Hill, near Ringwood, last July.

Brian Streek, 78, of Bagnum, Ringwood, pleaded guilty at Aldershot Magistrates’ Court to the offence and was given eight points and ordered to pay £45 costs.

Mum-of-three Cheryl, who has been unable to return to work as a farm hand, says she feels that justice has not been done, due to the impact her injuries continue to have on her life and the fact she had to put down her 12-year-old horse, American Sunset, because he was so severely hurt.

She says she is too traumatised to ride again and is taking legal action.

Cheryl added: “The medical staff at Southampton General Hospital were fantastic and ultimately saved my life. I am all too aware that things could have been much worse though.

“ I am still in constant pain with my back and ribs, have sleepless nights and cannot get back to the active lifestyle I used to have.”