A TEENAGER who admitted a dangerous driving offence which led to a passenger in another vehicle being seriously injured and three other people hurt has been banned from the road for five years.

Bradley Baxter, 18, of Blackadder Crescent, Greenlaw, pleaded guilty at Jedburgh Sheriff Court to causing a crash on the A6105 Earlston to Greenlaw road on February 20.

He admitted overtaking a vehicle when it was unsafe to do so and causing it to collide with a car in which passenger Jolanta Kowalczyk was seriously injured.

In addition, Palina Makauchyk, Damian Janusik and Simanoniene Ramute – all occupants of the other car – were injured and both vehicles damaged.

As well as the five-year ban and having to re-sit the extended test, Baxter was given a Community Pay Back order involving 160 hours of unpaid work.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said Ms Koalczyk was in intensive care for two days and was kept in another ward for two days after that with broken ribs, two black eyes, bruising, two broken front teeth and broken dentures.

He explained: "At the time of this report she was expected to be off work for six weeks.

"The accused himself had two fractured ankles and the knuckles on his hand were fractured."

Mr Fraser said he was not able to tell what speed Baxter was travelling but there had been a significant impact when the vehicles collided.

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said his client had now turned 18 and was a first offender.

He said: "At the time he had passed his test for 10 months prior to the incident. He admits overtaking a friend at a place and time when it was inappropriate to do.

"It was a manoeuvre which should never have taken place.

"He made a terrible decision and will pay for it for a long time as his insurance premium will be sky high when he gets his licence back.

"He is also still suffering the physical effects from the incident."