Bob
4th July 2004, 23:42
A driver who left Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler with nine broken bones in a crash that could have ended his career is to be deported.
Monica Beltran sent Mr Knopfler flying through the air when she collided with his 800cc Honda touring bike in March 2003. She did not check her mirrors or indicate when she suddenly turned right into a petrol station in Grosvenor Road, central London.
In finding her guilty of careless driving, District Judge Michael Snow spoke of his frustration that he could not fully punish her because she has already been sentenced to be deported on a false passport charge.
Mr Snow told her: "In sentencing you I'm really handicapped by your situation. I cannot really pass any sort of meaningful sentence upon you. I cannot add to the terms of your imprisonment and any disqualification is largely irrelevant because you shall be deported at the end of your current sentence.”
Monica Beltran sent Mr Knopfler flying through the air when she collided with his 800cc Honda touring bike in March 2003. She did not check her mirrors or indicate when she suddenly turned right into a petrol station in Grosvenor Road, central London.
In finding her guilty of careless driving, District Judge Michael Snow spoke of his frustration that he could not fully punish her because she has already been sentenced to be deported on a false passport charge.
Mr Snow told her: "In sentencing you I'm really handicapped by your situation. I cannot really pass any sort of meaningful sentence upon you. I cannot add to the terms of your imprisonment and any disqualification is largely irrelevant because you shall be deported at the end of your current sentence.”